234 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE 1791 



From the Naturalist's Journal — 



"[1791] July 30." [Mrs.] Ben. White writes that "my 

 father shot in his own garden at S. Lambeth a Loxia 

 mrvirostra, or Crossbill, as it was feeding on the cones of 

 his Scotch firs. There were six, four cocks and two hens." 



To B. White, senr. Selborne, Dec. 8, 1791. 



Dear Brother, — I am to thank you for the tin gutter 

 stove pipe &c. which seem to have come safe : but I have 

 as yet employed no workman to put them up, or examine 

 them. 



Be pleased to show this to my nephew Ben. White and he 

 will be so kind as to repay you £1 12s. Od laid out for the 

 spouts above mentioned which, I trust, will save my front 

 wall. I have half a mind to build me a good light closet 

 to my bedchamber and under it a kind of pantry, and store 

 room for the kitchen ; both of which would much improve 

 my house : but whether at my time of life I shall have 

 resolution to set about such a jobb, I much doubt. 



D"^ Chandler talks, some times, as if he should not con- 

 tinue a great while longer at this place; now should he 

 remove some time hence, you might, I should suppose, have 

 the choice of a roomy old house and some acres of land, 

 where you might amuse yourself till something better 

 offered. You would then become our neighbour indeed. 



You have, I find, paid the eight guineas for the mare, 

 which will, I hope, prove a good bargain, and perform a 

 good deal of moderate work. Poor Marlow was buried 

 this evening: Tanner still keeps in bed. 



We are glad to hear that your house in town goes on 

 so well. The boys are well. 



Mrs. J. White joins in respects. 



Y"^ loving brother, 



Gil. White. 



