CHAPTER IV, 



On March 11th, 1749, Gilbert White was ordained 

 priest in the Chapel in Spring Gardens, London, by 

 James Beauclerk, Bishop of Hereford, acting for the 

 Bishop of Winchester. At the following Easter, 

 when, as usual, he went to attend the Oriel College 

 audit, he took his brother Harry to enter him 

 there, though the latter did not commence residence 

 until the following year. At this time a purchase 

 was made of a pony, " Mouse," which was destined 

 to carry its owner for many years about the lanes 

 and over the downs of Hampshire and Sussex. 



Though Gilbert White could be liberal to his 

 poorer neighbours, he commenced the habit of living 

 well within his income very early in life. The 

 following entry occurs on October 27th, 1749 : — 



" Purchased then with £300 legacy money and £50 

 Saved £333 12« 10^ at 104f in Bank Annuities at 4 per 

 cent." 



This careful habit of saving, when he could, was 

 retained during all his life. 



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