202 GILBEET WHITE OF SELBOENE 1771 



to write the history of various districts, and might in time 

 occasion the production of a work so much to be wished for, 

 a full and compleat nat[ural] history of these kingdoms. 



Your engraver at Chester acquits himself like an able 

 artist : and I should be glad to know what his price is for a 

 plate containing two or three animals. You have, I see, 

 furnished the 'Gentleman's Magazine' for last month with 

 a plate and some descriptions. The conductor of that 

 publication will, no doubt, rejoice in such a correspon- 

 dent. . . . 



I have just read with satisfaction and improvement 

 Kalm's journey thro' K America ; but as he is continually 

 referring to another work he cuts us very short often times 

 both in botany and zoology. 



Yesterday I had a letter from town, which mentions the 

 safe return of Mr. Banks,* and adds that he looked as well 

 as ever he did in his life. So agreeable an event calls for my 

 warmest congratulations. For if we rejoice at the arrival of 

 a friend who has been absent but a few months perhaps in 

 a neighbouring kingdom ; how shall we express ourselves 

 when we see one restored as it were from the other world, 

 having undergone the astonishing hazards and dangers that 

 must attend the circumnavigation of the world itself ! ! ! 



I have great reason to regret my disappointment of not 

 meeting you in town : but as we live by hope I trust that I 

 shall be more fortunate another time. 



With great esteem I remain 



Your obliged, and 



Most humble Servant, 



Gil. White. 



On September 25th, 1771, the Selborne Naturalist 

 returned to the subject of the birds of Gibraltar — 



* From Cook's first voyage. 



