1774 KEFUSES CROMHALL RECTORY 245 



you will correct them, and assist in the arrangement of my 

 Journal, I will publish. I have finished the monography of 

 all the Hirundines except the swift. 



Cromall* is so dismally circumstanced that I think there 

 can be no doubt which way I had best act. The late in- 

 cumbent insolvent, and too negligent to leave any papers of 

 information behind him ; no barn ; I believe no stable ; a 

 wretched house ; and all the parish offices for years past in 

 the hands of an attorney, and a gentleman's steward ; and to 

 compleat all, the manor-farm belonging to D"* Bosworth*s 

 persecuting peer ! ! Mr. Pen told a man a little before he 

 dyed that he had made one year £160 of his living: but 

 that in general it produced only £150. D' Bosworth says it 

 may be raised to £200. 



Write to Mr. Barrington under cover to the Bishop of 

 Llandaff in London. 



I made some enquiries concerning a place for Jack of 

 Mr. Roman. He says the difficulties about settling a young 

 man in London are very great ; but recommends an habber- 

 dasher, if a proper master could be found. The ribbon- 

 merchant was at Coventry all the while I was in town. 

 Brother Thomas knows a young man in the habberdashery 

 way, and will enquire. He wishes your proposal at Alton 

 could have taken effect. 



As usual I had a rash first in town, and then a cold and 

 cough; neither did Jack escape without some little cough. 

 I am feverish and faint with my cold, and must not venture 

 to Oxon. except I mend. 



Skinner came to town in his way to Bassingham, and 

 spent half a day in Thames-street. Brother Thomas admired 

 the clearness of his head. A Roman-catholic gentleman 

 makes pretentions to his living: but his claims are looked 

 on as futile. 



* The Rectory of Cromhall, Gloucestershire, in the gift of Oriel College. 



