266 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 1774 



know, to subdivide his long genera ; and such subdivisions 

 are very consistent with system. I hope I have expressed 

 myself so as to be understood in this matter; and I wish 

 you would mention it to him, and ask if such a subdivision 

 would not be proper.* Thus he divides his genus of Anas 

 into "rostro basi gibbo," ''rostro basi aequali," &c., &c. 

 Can't you hear yet where and how the Panorpa coa feeds ? 

 It is a pity that part of its history should escape you. 

 I shall transcribe my Swift anew before it be read (redde) 

 to the E. S. — I have alterations of some consequence to 

 make, such as the number of its eggs, &c. It is remarkable 

 that none of the Martins round my buildings have this year 

 any second broods. Is this owing to the cold, wet, un- 

 comfortable equinox ? We had sweet weather this August 

 'til towards the end: but since sad doings; much corn 

 damaged and our fruit spoiled. I fear much for Mr. L.[ever?] 

 not loving enterprise and adventure. Poor Nanny White 

 lies now at Newton in a dying way: she has lost all her 

 flesh and all her appetite. Edm. Woods is your only man ; 

 if a settlement is to be found, he, I should think, will look it 

 out. We have vast quantities of Hops, but they are mostly 

 distempered. My thanks are due for your kind letter of 

 September 11th. Some of the contents are very strange! 

 Over Leicester house gate must be painted in letters of gold 

 Mvyseum Leveriense. Jack's leg does not swell at all of 

 late. I am sorry for your accident, having experienced 

 myself somewhat of the same sort, on the same occasion, 

 but not in the same degree. 



Our respects to my Sister, 

 y* affect. 



Gil. White. 

 Berriman lies in the same sad way. 



• This distinction between the species of tortoises was proposed to Linnaeus 

 by John White in a letter dated October 8th, 1774. He did not however 

 mention it as being his brother's suggestion. 



