150 CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS FAMILY. 



You will probably see my brothers here before they go to 

 college, as I believe they will not leave home till the second 

 week in March. Mr. Grimble has sent your wig *. 



Please to remember me to Mrs. J. White and thank her for 

 her kind letter by Mr. Etty. My father and brother desire 

 best respects to yourself and all friends. 



With almost constant pumping we have hitherto kept the 

 water out of the cellar ; but a few more wet days we fear will 

 get the better of us. 



I am, dear Sir, 



Your obliged and affectionate niece, 



M. WHITE. 



LETTER XXXVIII. 



TO THE REV. EDMUND WHITE f . 



Selborne, Feb. 21, 1783. 

 DEAR NEPHEW, 



I COULD wish that you would make it a rule to read aloud to 

 yourself every day some portion of S. or the Common Prayer, 

 tho' ever so short, and that you would also sometimes read 

 before a judicious friend but at the same time plainly and 

 unaffectedly ; and do not aim at anything theatrical or fine, 



u From earth to heaven it swells, and slimes 



The pledge of bliss to man ; 

 Time with eternity combines, 



And grasps them in a span." T. B.] 



* [The following humorous lines formed the order sent by Gilbert 

 White to his wig-maker in London : 



t( Ye worthy friends in Abchurch Lane, 



Who do our noddles thatch, 

 Send me a wig, but not too big, 



With care and with dispatch." T. B.] 



t [Son of Benjamin White, and afterwards rector of Newton Valence. 



