work consists of a series of letters addressed to these gentlemen, written in a clear and elegant, yet somewhat popular style; containing very varied information upon most subjects connected with the Natural History of the age, and is rather the description of an extensive district than of a particular spot or village.

The present work was originally printed in 1789, four years previous to the author's decease, in a quarto volume, containing besides an Account of the Antiquities of Selborne. Copies of the work becoming scarce and expensive, a reprint was thought necessary, and accordingly it again appeared in 1802, in two volumes octavo, chiefly under the superintendence of Dr. Aikin, and some of Mr. White's friends. It was again reprinted in 1825. In the later editions it was thought unnecessary to include that part relative to the antiquities, and their place was supplied by The Naturalist's Calendar, and Miscellaneous Observations, which had originally been published in a small volume after the author's death. These, with some papers on different subjects connected with natural history, and published in various transactions of learned societies, with some poems, which were most probably written for amusement, and without any intention of publication, are all his writings that have ever been printed. This Edition is confined to the Natural History of Selborne alone, including extracts from the author's

Miscellaneous Observations, which are occasionally introduced as notes, to which the present Editor has subjoined such additional memoranda, as modern discoveries and the advanced state of knowledge rendered necessary.

As a naturalist, Mr. White ranked very high; and we consequently find him in correspondence with many of the most eminent scientific characters of that period, and often consulted on subjects connected with the natural history of his county, particularly by Mr. Pennant, who was then engaged with his British Zoology. At the present time, we find his works extensively quoted, and many of his observations borne out by more modern experiments. The Fauna of Great Britain is indebted to him for the first notice of the Great Bat, vespertilio noctula, and for the discovery and detailed history of the Harvestmouse, mus messorius, in addition to various remarks on different productions, both animal and vegetable, and the elucidation of many facts regarding popular superstitions and abuses.

In the last edition of his works we have the following biographical sketch of his life, perhaps the only one extant: "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 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."

JARDINE HALL, August, 1829.