276 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 1775 



On January 31st, 1775, J. Mulso writes : — 



"Are you not now glad that you did not travel or 

 anti-migrate to Lancashire ? What a season would you 

 have had to interrupt every natural enquiry? ... I have 

 looked into a vol. or two of 'Philosophical Transactions' 

 (our library books), and have found honourable mention of 

 you from Mr. Barrington. Have your further observations 

 been redde (as they print the word) and well accepted by 

 the Society? I should think they must, for you are an 

 accurate man. But I know that it is a rule with them not 

 to commend or discommend, but to give as it is given to 

 them, and leave it to the use and judgment of the Public." 



To the Rev. John White. Selborne, Feb. 1, 1775. 



Dear Brother, — I have been unusually dilatory in my 

 answer to your last letter; and the reason was, though I 

 was much vexed and disappointed at your rebuff, which 

 came so unexpectedly, yet I did not know how to come 

 to your assistance. Mr. Pinnock at the same time men- 

 tioned a gentleman of the law : but that is a profession that 

 you do not seem to affect. I remember a person in Mr. 

 Freeland's shop* (one of the book-keepers) mentioned a 

 House in Manchester that wanted a young man; but as 

 my nephew was at that time sped, as I thought, I paid 

 but little attention to what was said. I will continue to 

 make what enquiry I can; but it will be best, no doubt, 

 to urge all your friends in London. The task of providing 

 a proper place for a young man is doubtless very difficult ; 

 since Edmund White remains still in his father's house 

 unprovided for. 



Brother Ben. says you must have as many plates as 

 possible in your Fauna; for it is the fashion now "to look 

 in picture-books." Insects being the most laborious, and 



* In Chichester. 



