AND ROBERT MARS FI AM. 203 



ping that profusion of spirituous liquors which threat' ned to 

 ruin the morals & constitutions of our common people at 

 once. He used to say, that the hogs of distillers were more 

 brutal than the hogs of other men ; & that, when drunk they 

 used to bite pieces out of each other's backs & sides I With 

 due respects I remain, 



Your most humble servant, 



GIL. WHITE. 



I did myself the honour of writing to you very lately 

 about trees, & other matters. This winter continues wet & 

 mild : wet springs are bad for Selborne. My crocus's make 

 a fine show. 



LETTER VII. 



MARSHAM TO WHITE. 



Stratton, March 1, 1791. 

 DEAR SIR, 



I WAS intending to write you my thanks for the favour of 

 your pleasing letter of the 18 th of Jan : but waited for some- 

 thing to arise that might afford you some pleasure ; when this 

 day's post brought me the honour of your letter of the 25 of 

 Feb. Every article relating to that excellent man the late 

 Dr. Hales, cannot fail of being pleasing to me. I never saw 

 him towards being angry, but when he talked against Gin. 

 I think it was first from him that i heard Onions were good 

 for people suffering with the Stone. I then thought but 

 little about it : but as i have, for two years past, felt some 

 painful symptoms of that malady, i often sup on roasted Por- 

 tugal Onions, and hope i receive benefit from them. My 

 good Friend, when you touch upon Trees, you touch my mad 

 string. My favourite Oak is 12 F. 6 I., but this is at one 



