1775 DK. JOHNSON'S 'JOUKNEY' 277 



probably, to most readers, the most uninteresting part of 

 your work, I am glad you have run through them. The 

 birds and quadrupeds will pass off smoothly. I am sorry 

 you will not work up your tour to Mogador into a pretty 

 chapter; it is the fashion now to publish tours; besides 

 some account of the person, manners, mode of life, of that 

 monarch who at present sets all the naval powers at 

 defiance, would take with many readers. The practice of 

 gratifying such barbarians with elegant presents, and the 

 Moors turning Dollond's perspectives into walking-sticks, 

 would furnish matter of agreeable reflection. Dr. Johnson 

 has just published his Journey thro' tlie western isles; 

 I have read it, and you should read it. It is quite a 

 sentimental Journey, divested of all natural history and 

 antiquities; but full of good sense, and new and peculiar 

 reflections. It does not at all interfere with Mr. Pennant's 

 book. You are much to be commended for your intention 

 of taking all your duty on yourself. Mrs. White is just 

 come to Newton, and intends taking Nanny in a few days 

 to lodgings near town. Poor young woman, she is marvel- 

 ously recovered; has been on horseback every dry day the 

 winter through. John Neal and dame Knight are dead; 

 Berriman lies in the same sad deplorable way. Mrs. 

 Snooke writes me word that she has been better than 

 usual this mild winter. For some days past we have had 

 great rains, and blustering weather: this morning the 

 weather is very wet and stormy; the thermometer at 50**, 

 the barom** at 28*7. Every sunny day insects abound; 

 and in warm lanes, and under hedges the air swarms 

 with them. Within doors woodlice, spiders and Lepismce 

 are in motion, and many Muscce in the stable; and earth- 

 worms come forth every mild evening. So that in mild 

 winters insects are not so much layed up as is imagined. 

 Some Phalcence fly also all the winter. Mr. Yalden has 

 a bad fit of the gout; this is the second attack; the first 



