DEDICATION. TO H. A. E. MY DEAR LITTLE BOY, THE first time I read the new Edition of WHITE'S NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE, I could not help thinking frequently how much you would be pleased with some passages in it. This induced me to read it over again, with a view of arranging it for your amusement. I am aware that even in its present form, the work contains many expressions and subjects above your age; but I believe you will prefer overcoming these difficulties by your own efforts, rather than by any attempt on my part to suit the Author's meaning to your capacity. If this book should give you a taste for Natural History and Country Pursuits, I shall feel great pleasure; and if further, it should lead you from the study of Nature to that of Nature's God, it will have gratified the most anxious wish of Your affectionate MOTHER. MAY 25, 1833. ACCOUNT OF THE REV. GILBERT WHITE. "GILBERT WHITE was the eldest son of John White, of Selborne, Esq. and of Anne, the daughter of Thomas Holt, rector of Streatham in Surrey. He was born at Selborne, on July 18, 1720, and received his school education at Basingstoke, under the Rev. Thomas Warton, vicar of that place, and father of those two distinguished literary characters, Dr. Joseph Warton, master of Winchester school, and Mr. Thomas Warton, poetry professor at Oxford. He was admitted at Oriel College, Oxford, in December, 1739, and took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1743. In March, 1744, he was elected Fellow of his College. He became Master of Arts in October, 1746, and was admitted one of the senior Proctors of the University in April, 1752. Being of an unambitious temper, and strongly attached to the charms of rural scenery, he early fixed his residence in his native village, where he spent the greater part of his life in viii literary occupations, and especially in the study of Nature. This he followed with patient assiduity, and a mind ever open to the lessons of piety and benevolence, which such a study is so well calculated to afford. Though several occasions offered of settling upon a college living, he could never persuade himself to quit the beloved spot, which was indeed a peculiarly happy situation for an observer. Thus his days passed tranquil and serene, with scarcely any other vicissitudes than those of the seasons, till they closed at a mature age on June 26, 1793." |