48 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE i780 



memory of a dead man : a charge made, it is true, 

 with very imperfect knowledge of the facts of the 

 case, though this circumstance hardly tends towards 

 its excuse. 



To Miss White. Selborne, Mar. 31, 1780. 



Dear Molly, — It gave me much concern to hear that your 

 father had experienced some return of his complaint; but 

 I trust that the bark, and the advance of summer weather 

 will soon restore him to his usual state of health. I hardly 

 ever remember an ague in this village, that properly be- 

 longed to the spot. Charles Etty brought one lately from 

 school; but has known no return since his first arrival. 

 If your father has any idea that a change of air by and 

 by might have a good influence on his health, you may 

 assure him that I should be glad to see him here; because 

 nothing would please me better than any expedient that 

 might probably contribute to his welfare. 



Timothy the tortoise accompanyed me from Ringmer. 

 A jumble of 81 miles awakened him so thoroughly, that 

 the morning I turned him out into the garden, he walked 

 twice the whole length of it, to take a survey of the new 

 premises; but in the evening he retired under the mould, 

 and is lost since in the most profound slumbers; and 

 probably may not come forth for these ten days or fortnight. 



Mrs. Etty is very well, and so is Miss E. but Mrs. 

 Yalden is troubled with pains in her limbs. Charles sails 

 for India about the end of April. Pray write to me soon. 



With due respects I remain, 



Y"^ affect, friend, 



Gil. Wbite. 

 On Monday I paint the great parlor. 

 Has your father been so kind as to receive my long ann. 

 up to Xmass last ? 



