x ADVERTISEMENT 



the curiosity of the antiquary, as well as establish the 

 credit of the history. 



If the writer should at all appear to have induced any of 

 his readers to pay a more ready attention to the wonders 

 of the Creation, too frequently overlooked as common 

 occurrences ; or if he should by any means, through his 

 researches, have lent an helping hand towards the enlarge- 

 ment of the boundaries of historical and topographical 

 knowledge ; or if he should have thrown some small light 

 upon ancient customs and manners, and especially on 

 those that were monastic, his purpose will be fully 

 answered. But if he should not have been successful in 

 any of these his intentions, yet there remains this con- 

 solation behind that these his pursuits, by keeping the 

 body and mind employed, have, under Providence, con- 

 tributed to much health and cheerfulness of spirits, even 

 to old age : and, what still adds to his happiness, have led 

 him to the knowledge of a circle of gentlemen whose 

 intelligent communications, as they have afforded him 

 much pleasing information, so, could he flatter himself 

 with a continuation of them, would they ever be deemed 

 a matter of singular satisfaction and improvement. 



GIL. WHITE. 

 SELBORNE, January 1st, 1788. 



