22 GILBEKT WHITE OF SELBOKNE 1778 



possible, to be granted, to take some of these papers into my 

 hands, for which I would give hond to the society. But the 

 D"* says the statutes are so strict concerning these papers, 

 that he doubts much whether my request will be attended 

 to. All the indulgence I may expect to meet with, he 

 imagines, if any at all, will be to have them deposited in 

 some Fellow's apartments, in which I may have access to 

 them. He desires much, that no notice may be taken of 

 his having sent me this extract. 



Pray read over these articles very deliberately and send 

 me your sentiments. I think I discern many interesting 

 anecdotes ; but shall forbear to mention particulars, wishing 

 rather to see our wits jump. Your aff. Bro"" 



Gil. White. 

 I thank you for your letter this evening. 



At the beginning of the year 1778 a bad account 

 of John White's health reached Selborne from Black- 

 burn. On January 5th, Mulso, after condoling with 

 his friend upon the melancholy news, continues — 



"You are a happy man who clear away rubbishes, and 

 build on a clear surface. I shall visit your new room one 

 day or another, I hope. With its beautiful site it will be 

 one of the first rooms in the County. 



"I have framed Mr. Grimm, though I dislike him as a 

 Print. Where he could throw a little colour, or chiaro 

 oscuro, the effect might be great, but Ned Mulso and 

 Mr. Airson as well as myself, declared that they should 

 never have thought of Selbourne from that Piece. However 

 it will do with the rest. The lines are strong and clean, 

 and poor Harry* makes a decent figure, but not so good 

 as in the original. If I was with you, I could point out 

 what would have been more advantageous; but the thing 



* As the Hermit. 



