INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. XVll 
of science. White was one of those who mainly assisted or 
tempted persons to observe. Studying, searching out, and in- 
quiring himself, he incited others ; and in the letters he writes 
to Pennant and Barrington he often asks questions, starts sub- 
jects for discussion, and brings forward objects new to the 
existing knowledge of the physical character of the district ; 
and it is very important that all those should be explained to 
the young reader, or to the person perhaps only entering upon 
the study of nature, and this it will be our object to do in any 
notes and commentary we may now add, and which can be 
done we think sufficiently for every purpose, even by one who 
has not seen the place or resided in the district. But there are 
other phenomena which can only be illustrated by one who is 
resident, and has resided for some time, and continuously upon 
the spot. Sixty years, however short that time may appear, 
will produce important differences in particular localities. Even 
during White’s incumbency he complains of the changes that 
are occurring ; and the disturbance to the “ Fer nature,” the 
increase or destruction of wood, acts remarkably on the Fauna - 
and Flora and on the climate; so does drainage, particularly 
that of any larger piece of water, and cultivation influences 
very materially the habits of the wild animals. Do the stone 
curlews now abound as they did in White’s time, and is their 
shrill whistle yet heard at the parsonage? Do the ring-ousels 
still find their resting-places as formerly. Are all the summer 
visitants yet found, and have no new ones been added and 
become common? How does the meteorology now agree with 
White’s tables? What are the changes in the Hanger and in 
Wolmer Forest? These are all subjects for Professor Bell’s 
edition, besides many others which the place itself will suggest, 
and which he will not omit to introduce. Meanwhile, let 
