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is a vast district. Those who tread the bounds are employed 

 part of three days in the business, and are of opinion that the 

 outline, in all its curves and indentings, does not comprise less 

 than thirty miles. 



The village stands in a sheltered spot, secured by the 

 Hanger from the strong westerly winds. The air is soft, but 

 rather moist from the effluvia of so many trees ; yet perfectly 

 healthy and free from agues. 



The quantity of rain that falls on it is very considerable, as 

 may be supposed in so woody and mountainous a district. 1 

 As my experience of measuring the water is but of short date, 

 I am not qualified to give the mean quantity. 2 I only know 

 that 



The village of Selborne, and large hamlet of Oakhanger, 

 with the single farms, and many scattered houses along the 

 verge of the forest, contain upwards of six hundred and 

 seventy inhabitants. 3 



We abound with poor ; many of whom are sober and indus- 

 trious, and live comfortably in good stone or brick cottages, 

 which are glazed, and have chambers above stairs ; mud build- 

 ings we have none. Besides the employment from husbandry, 

 the men work in hop-gardens, of which we have many ; and 

 fell and bark timber. In the spring and summer the women 

 weed the corn; and enjoy a second harvest in September by 

 hop-picking. Formerly, in the dead months they availed them- 

 selves greatly by spinning wool, for making of barragons, a 

 genteel corded stuff, much in vogue at that time for summer 

 wear ; and chiefly manufactured at Alton, a neighboring town, 

 by some of the people called Quakers ; but from circumstances 

 this trade is at an end. 4 The inhabitants enjoy a good share 

 of health and longevity ; and the parish swarms with children. 



