70 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE irsi 



only solution of this difficulty seems to be, if it so prove, that 

 at the same time that I made up the Fy field letter, I made 

 up also a frank to Mrs. Bentham,* in which were two or 

 three little papers. Now it is possible the half bill may be 

 gone to Oxford. If it should prove so, it will also prove 

 that my memory is very bad. But if this half note is not 

 forthcoming, let me know what I am to do with the remain- 

 ing part, whether it should be sent to town. The end con- 

 taining the number and person to whom drawn to is missing. 

 I cannot suspect Goody Hampton : her honesty and 

 ignorance acquit her. Brother Harry's servant took the 

 letter at Mullen's pond of the post boy, so no fraud could 

 be committed at the turnpike house. 



Sam. has brought me up the dog Eover, whom, if he 

 behaves quietly, I shall approve of, because he is both 

 large, and good for nothing ; I mean has no sporting blood 



^° ^™- Y- affect., 



Gil. White. 



To the Bev. B. Churton. 



Selborne, May 9, 1781. 



Dear Sir, — When I called at Brazennose College in the 

 Easter week, I was sorry but not disappointed in not find- 

 ing you, because Mr. Loveday had intimated that probably 

 you would be gone on a visit to his son. 



As you have seen Selborne, and the nakedness of the 

 land at Xmas, you will not do it justice if you do not 

 come and visit it in all its glory, in its full foliage, and 

 verdure. 



I therefore exhort you and enjoin you to come and spend 

 the Whitsun vacation here, where your company and con- 

 versation will be very acceptable; and, if I mistake not, 

 my neighbours will be glad to see you also. 



* Wife of Dr. Bentham, Gilbert White's tutor when at Oriel. 



