europaea (the nut-hatch). Mr. Ray says that the less spotted
woodpecker does the same. This noise may be heard a furlong or
more.

Now is the only time to ascertain the short-winged summer birds;
for, when the leaf is out, there is no making any remarks on such a
restless tribe; and, when once the young begin to appear, it is all
confusion: there is no distinction of genus, species, or sex.

In breeding-time snipes play over the moors, piping and humming:
they always hum as they are descending. Is not their hum
ventriloquous like that of a turkey? Some suspect it is made by
their wings.

This morning I saw the golden-crowned wren, whose crown glitters
like burnished gold. It often hangs lice a titmouse, with its back
downwards.

Yours, etc., etc.



Letter XVII
To Thomas Pennant, Esquire

Selborne, June 18, 1768.

Dear Sir,

On Wednesday last arrived your agreeable letter of June the 10th. It