24 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBOKNE 1778 



To Miss White, 



Thomas White's, Esqre., 

 South Lambeth, Surry. 



Selborne, Apr. 13, 1778. 



Dear Niece, — It is now full time to return your father 

 and you thanks for all good offices at S. Lambeth; and 

 to remind you that you are indebted to me not only for 

 this year, but for all last year, and I believe all the year 

 hefore: so that I hope you will come when convenient 

 and wipe out all scores. 



My poor portmanteau-horse, Miller, has lost the use of 

 his hinder parts ; and now one of his legs is swelled to 

 an enormous degree ; so that he cannot lie down ! 



The mm^-man, Charnley, has sent down my bed, table, 

 &c. For the table he has charged £2 8s. Oc?., whereas a 

 man in Fleet-ditch, only three years ago charged but 

 £1 14s. Od for the same sort of table, exactly of the same 

 dimensions and materials', and a very well-made table it 

 is, and very handsome. 



Please to tell your father that his Greatham tenant has 

 just paid in an year's rent up to Michaelmas last. 



Poor Mr. Willis of Holiburn is ill, and gone to Bath. 

 The weather is so hot, that we all say there never was 

 such weather before; forgetting that the 26th and 27th 

 of March, .77, were much hotter. In my way down I found 

 a swallow at Eipley: and we have here swallows, and 

 cuckows, and nightingales ! 



Your handmaid, I hope, arrived safe, and proves to your 

 mind. I address you now as a prudent and experienced 

 mistress of a family. By a late letter brother John rather 

 mends; but his poor wife is worn down, and very low 

 indeed. Did you say how does my new parlor go on ? 

 Why, pretty well, I thank you: and was it never to rain 

 any more would be very dry: however this weather acts 



