190 CORRESPONDENCE OF GILBERT WHITE 



is now shorn of its tresses, and much in dishabille ; but we 

 have still pleasant foot-paths, wild views, and chearful neigh- 

 bours. I will give you some roast-beef, plum-pudding, and 

 other Xstmass-cheer. We do not, I believe now keep the 

 good season that is advancing so jollily as you do in the N. ; 

 but you will, I hope, be pleased with visiting S 1 ' Adam de 

 Gurdon's hall, where that old baron probably entertained his 

 tenants with an ox roasted whole, and floods of brown ale. 

 What I want is for you to try your hand at this place at this 

 disadvantageous season ; and then I shall not doubt but you 

 will like it better in the summer. We have just finished a 

 walkf of 400 yards in length thro' an hanging wood just 

 above my house ; which we are apt to think will please 

 strangers, because we like it ourselves. From hence we look 

 on the village in a very pleasing light. If you are a draughts- 

 man, I can show you some stained views taken from nature by 

 an artist that came down to me from London. 



My progress in Nat. Hist, is very slow indeed: I now and J 



# # # # # _ # # # * # # 



advertised, I see, and will be out in Feb. I heartily wish he 

 may give no reason for complaint with respect to religious 

 matters : in other respects he will be secure of fame. 



If I was to meet Gen. Arnold I should address him thus : 



" But wherefore thou alone ? wherefore with thee 

 Came not all? ***** 

 * * * "had'stthoualledg'd 



To thy deserted host this cause of flight 

 Thou surely had'st not come sole fugitive." 



I am, with due respect, 



You most humble servant, 



GIL. WHITE. 



Mr. G., I understand, will draw a comparison between 

 Xstianity papal, and Mohammedism ; and indeed I am at a 



t The Bostal. 



| [A portion of this letter is lost.] 



