278 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 1775 



was almost two years ago. Harry's wife by this time is 

 probably in the straw. On Jan. 20th many rooks were 

 caught, it is said, by a man near Hackwood-park. Their 

 wings, as he affirms, were frozen together by a wet sleet 

 then falling. Pray write soon. Respects as due. 



Y" aff., 



Gil. White. 



Mrs. Isaac writes me word that her aunt Weston is dead 

 intestate ; and that her share will be upwards of £5,000. 



The following entry was made at this time in the 

 Naturalist's Journal — 



" Jan. 20. Mr. Hool's man says that he caught this day in 

 a lane near Hackwood-park many rooks, which, attempting 

 to fly, fell from the trees with their wings frozen together 

 by the sleet that froze as it fell. There were, he affirms, 

 many dozens so disabled." 



Fyfield, March 9, 1775. 

 To the Beo. John White. 



Dear Brother, — As you have long experienced that I am 

 not usually a tardy and negligent correspondent, you will, I 

 suppose, conclude that something has happened to prevent 

 my writing sooner, as really has been the case. I have had 

 an heat and stiffness in my eyes from over much reading, 

 that made writing very irksome for some time ; they are now 

 pretty well recovered again. 



After your disappointment in town I was glad to hear by 

 your last that you had a prospect of disposing of your son 

 at Manchester ; but now I understand that farther difficulties 

 arise. The Scopoli from Mr. Pennant that you mention is at 

 Selborne ; and I will send it, if you desire it ; but it affords 

 no information. 



I 



