Xviil INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 
those who wish to hand down the annals of their own districts 
study to follow White’s example, describe everything simply 
and truthfully,—record only as facts such as are known and 
can be proved to be such,—and never forget that one hand 
only fashioned all the objects which it gives them pleasure 
and interest to observe, and that the same power regulates 
their continuance or change. 
No pains have been spared by the publishers of the present 
edition to illustrate it fully. An artist, Mr. Pearson, was sent 
to Selborne to procure authentic sketches of the village and 
surrounding country, so that these may be depended upon as 
faithful representations, and not mere copies from previous 
engravings. These have also been accompanied by some 
notes describing the present condition of Selborne, which 
cannot fail to be interesting. 
“ Selborne has probably suffered as little from change as any 
village that has obtained a similar celebrity. It has been so 
often described in former editions of White’s fascinating and 
instructive volume, that any farther account of its present 
aspect might appear unnecessary, yet in some few particulars it 
may be interesting to note the result of a recent visit. The 
first view of Selborne obtained by the visitor as he approaches 
the village from the new Elton road is peculiarly striking. The 
church and vicarage with a few cf the houses lie embosomed 
among trees in the valley; beyond these a small wooded park 
belonging to the residence of White extends to the “ Hanger,” 
or hanging wood, which is a striking feature in this locality. 
This wood, composed of luxuriant beech-trees, rises on the 
side of a steep hill toa great height, appearing to overhang 
the village, and giving to the landscape a particular and 
striking beauty. Nore Hill, seen upon the left, is also a 
