186 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBOllNE 1788 



I think be quite roasted in their return from Naples. 

 Camden, or rather the Bishop [Gibson], says that there is 

 a medicinal spring at Bourn. I cannot but wonder at you 

 for losing your way ; a traveller so intelligent should always 

 be sure of his bearing. You talk of Archbishop Parker's 

 MSS. and the Coll. at Cambridge where they are preserved 

 with so much care ; but never mention what College 

 [Corpus Christi then called Ben'ct]. We have a fine 

 crop of wheat this year at Selborne and a good shew for 

 hops. The season becomes more and more sultry, and this 

 day my thermometer in the shade stands above 80° ! Mrs. 

 Etty writes word that she is much pleased with the manners 

 and mode of life of the gentry of Cornwall. Her son 



* Magd. Coll. He will have better luck, 



Pray present my most respectful com- 

 pliments to D"^ Loveday, and lady unknown, and to 

 D"* Townson whom I once saw about 40 years ago. A 

 Mr. Headley of Trin. Coll. has published a collection of 

 ancient poetry in two volumes, and seems to intimate that 

 he may another day undertake more of the same kind. As 

 I can direct him to a book which probably he has never 

 seen ; and as that book was written in the time of Queen 

 Elizabeth and may contain words and expressions explana- 

 tory of passages in Shakespeare, I have thought of writing 

 to his friend, Mr. Benwell of Caversham, and of recommend- 

 ing that old poetry to their consideration. I remain, 

 Your obliged and 



Humble servant, 



Gil. White. 



My brother and I ride out every day when the heat will 

 permit. Family respects attend you. Thermometer 82°. 



In August the house at Selborne was full of 

 relations, since Henry White came from Fyfield 



* Letter imperfect. 



