292 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. [LETT. CX. 



three feet above the surface. The rushing and roaring of the 

 hail as it approached was truly tremendous. 



Though the clouds at South Lambeth, near London, were at 

 that juncture thin and light, and no storm was in sight, nor 

 within hearing, yet the air was strongly electric ; for the bells of 

 an electric machine at that place rang repeatedly, and fierce 

 sparks were discharged. 



When I first took the present work in hand I proposed to 

 have added an Annus Historico-naturalis ; or, The Natural His- 

 tory of the Twelve Months of the Year; which would have 

 comprised many incidents and occurrences that have not fallen 

 in my way to be mentioned in my series of letters; but as 

 Mr. Aikin of Warrington has published somewhat of this sort, 

 and as the length of my correspondence has sufficiently put 

 your patience to the test, I shall here take a respectful leave 

 of you and natural history together ; and am, 



With all due deference and regard, 

 Your most obliged, 



And most humble Servant, 

 GIL. WHITE. 



SELBORNE. June 25, 1787. 



