214 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 1739 



never visits Hampshire, the reason is well worth enquiring 

 after. I scarcely know whether to call myself a "Whiteist" 

 or " Badcockist." The pamphlet of D' Gabriel I think 

 clearly shews that considerable assistance was received, but 

 by no means ascertains the degree. In my own notion the 

 Professor would do well to state fairly and explicitly what 

 was composed by Mr. Badcock, and what by himself ; and 

 there are also some circumstances in his behaviour respecting 

 the note, which should be stated in a more favourable way to 

 his character, if they can consistently with truth. 



Bishop Smith sends his compliments, and thanks you for 

 your kind enquiries; but he says he shall not "walk the 

 town numbering good intellects" before next winter. His 

 biographer has lately had so much unavoidable business on 

 his hands respecting the living that he has no time to talk 

 with the dead. I am, dear Sir, 



Your very sincere and obliged humble servant, 



E. Churton. 



