wards collected by himself into one volume under the title of" Miscellanies." In his correspondence with these and other intelligent gentlemen, and in the retirement of a country village, surrounded by the richest woodland scenery, and admirably adapted to the following up his favourite science, White seems to have experienced much enjoyment, apart from the bustle and turmoils of the world. His work shows traces of a cheerful and benevolent disposition; and, what is more, of a heart led and habituated by such studies to contemplative meditation on the wisdom and bounty of Providence. It is on this account, that it particularly deserves to be placed in the hands of young persons. It was the author's object (he himself tells us) to "induce his readers to pay a more ready attention to the wonders of the creation, too frequently overlooked as common occurrences," and he felt consolation in the thought that, though, he might not be successful in his purpose, his pursuits had produced a beneficial effect upon himself; and, by keeping his mind and body employed, had, under Providence, contributed to much health and cheerfulness of spirits, even to old age." 66 The following biographical records of the author were annexed by his nephew to the second edition of this work published in 1802. "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 borne 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 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. He was much esteemed by a select society of intelligent and worthy friends, to whom he paid occasional visits. 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." Swaffham Bulbeck, December 1842. L. J. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Hoopoe (Upupa epops, Linn.). Harvest mice (Mus messorius, Shaw) Head of fallow-deer (Cervus dama, Linn.) (For references to the figures, see note, p. 53.) Loach (Cobitis barbatula, Linn.) Largest willow-wren of White (Sylvia sibilatrix, Bechst.) Least willow-wren of White (Sylvia rufa, Temm.) Water eft (Triton palustris, Flem.) Sand lizard (Lacerta stirpium, Daud.) PAGE 37 51 54 72 75 76 77 79 81 86 (For references to the figures, see note, p. 122.) Black-jack (Athalia centifolia, Panz.) 124 (For references to the figures, see note, p. 123.) |