266 GILBERT WHITE OF SELBOENE 1793 



" M[issel] thrushes do not destroy the fruit in gardens like 

 the other species of tuTd% but feed on the berries of misseltoe, 

 and in the spring on ivy berries which then begin to ripen. 

 In the summer, when their young become fledge, they leave 

 neighbourhoods, and retire to sheep walks, and wild commons. 

 The magpies, which probably have young, are now very raven- 

 ous, and destroy the broods of missel-thrushes, tho' the dams 

 are fierce birds and fight boldly in defence of their nests." 



To Dr. Loveday. 



[At Williamscote, near Banbury]. 



Selborne, May 11th, 1793. 



Dear Sir, — I sit down to return you my sincerest, though 

 tardy thanks as the editor of Doctor Townson's * Discourse 

 on the Evangelical History,' etc. which gave me much satis- 

 faction ; and came the more apropos, as it arrived in Passion 

 week. There is a discernment in all D"^ Townson's writings 

 almost peculiar to himself. 



Yet must not the Biographer go without his due share of 

 praise; he having discovered much piety and gratitude in 

 what he has written. I had not the happiness of knowing 

 D*" Townson, who, I doubt not, was a most engaging man : 

 but I will bear testimony to the truth of what is said 

 respecting your excellent father. The world can ill spare 

 such valuable characters, because few such are left behind to 

 supply their place. 



When you and your Lady visit D"^ Chandler and Lady, 

 you will I hope afford us as much of your company as is 

 consistent with your engagements over the way at the Par- 

 sonage. D"^ and Mrs. Chandler are in London : Mrs. Chandler 

 has lost by death, within these ten weeks, two maiden sisters, 

 and a grandmother. With my best respects to your lady, 



I remain 



Your obliged, and most humble servant, 



Gil. White. 



