268 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBOENE 1774 



fore can only echo my brother Harry with regard to his 

 business, and reputation. He has, it seems, a partner, con- 

 cerning whom it will be as needful to enquire, as about the 

 principal. There is also a Mr. Baverstock at Marlboro' (one 

 of the Baverstocks of Alton) a man in a flourishing way, 

 with whom brother Ben. is acquainted, who should be asked 

 concerning the circumstances, temper, &c. of Mr. Hill ; and 

 the common, trite observation that there is somewhat of 

 adventure, and hazzard where a man strikes out into many 

 businesses should not be totally disregarded. The variety 

 and extent of the business must moreover occasion the 

 frequent absence of the master, and subject his people to be 

 left pretty much to themselves. These matters I have 

 thrown together as they occur, though no doubt they have 

 all been considered well by you before. 



As to the business of my journey I have carryed it con- 

 tinually in my mind, and have been still labouring the point: 

 as to my neighbour Eobertson of East Tisted, he is very 

 willing and desirous to help me; but then he has it not 

 in his power without he can find somebody to take one of 

 his churches off his hands. He has met lately with a person 

 that wavers about it, and will send him a final answer soon. 

 Upon this contingency at present does my Lancashire visit 

 seem to hang. 



Pray write soon. I return hence on Wednesday Oct. 19th. 



Respects to my sister. 



Your affect. Brother, 



Gil. White. 

 Fine weather for a week after astonishing rains. 



On October 20th, 1774, Mulso writes : — 



" I have been very much chagrined that I could not hook 

 in a visit to you. ... I hope you and yours and your good 

 neighbours are well. I shall be glad to hear from you 



