54 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 178 



all the way from Hartley,* where the day closed upon us. 

 I got to my house just at eight o'clock ; and found my 

 nephew Barker, who arrived at J hour after six. 



We are to make our farewell visit to Hartley in a day 

 or two, because the family are on the wing : they acknow- 

 ledge noiv that they fear they shall have two houses on their 

 hands for four years; but Mr. Wilmot comforts himself 

 that he can come over and shoot pheasants at Hartley ! Tell 

 your father that the state-prisoner lately released in Russia 

 is the father of the little Emperor Iwan ; he and his family 

 were shut up in 1741, when Empress Elizabeth came to the 

 throne. 



Triple Ladies' traces now blow in abundance in the Lythe. 

 Brother Ben. and family are expected next week; but we 

 see nor hear naught of nephew Ben. 



Pray write to me soon, and send me the news of Fyfield ; 

 and in particular let me know the state of your father's 

 health. Present my respects to my brother and sister H., 

 and tell them I am indebted to them for all their good 

 offices ; and in particular for the extraordinary trouble 

 occasioned by my indisposition. 



With all due respects I remain 



¥>« affectly, 



Gil. White. 



Timothy the tortoise was the subject of many ex- 

 periments by his master, who at this time records — 



" Sept. 17. When we call loudly through the speaking- 

 trumpet to Timothy he does not seem to regard the noise." 



On September 21st Mulso wrote — 



"Pray does your book come out this winter? I really 

 cannot hold out any longer. If you spoil the genuine 



* Through the (now disused) "hollow lane." 



