1746 IN LINCOLNSHIRE 45 



I made Harlow* in my way hither, and took my observa- 

 tions in my pocket-book as usual ; which I will send you by 

 Letter when I have more time. . . ." 



The following memorandum, which was made 

 during his residence at Thorney, well illustrates 

 his careful and methodical habit of mind : — 



" To sell the sheep as fast as possible. As many oxen as 

 are saleable. Not to sell the Plate by auction at Thorney, 

 but to reserve it to be disposed of at London by weight. 

 The four men-servants not to be discharged 'till the will 

 is proved, because they are witnesses. To take great care of 

 the papers in the 'scrutore in the best Chamber, especially 

 Bonds, Ledger, &c. Use great secresy about money matters." 



On May 28th, 1746, John Mulso addressed a 

 letter to his friend at Selborne, thanking him for 

 entertainment there, and begging him to write "before 

 and during your excursions." For the man, who has 

 of late years been frequently represented as a stay- 

 at-home recluse, was off again in the following month 

 I (June) to Spalding, in Lincolnshire, where he ^'was 

 visiting for a week together." f Probably he went 

 there from Thorney, since in a letter to Marsham, 

 written in 1791, he states positively that in the year 

 1746 he ''lived for six months at Thorney, in the 

 Isle of Ely, to settle an executorship and dispose of 

 live stock." 



* In Essex, near which town another manor and farm of Mr. Holt's were 

 situated. 



t Vide 'The Natural History of Selborne,' Letter XXIII. to Pennant. 



