OF SELBORNE 255 



Though the clouds at South Lambeth, near London, 

 were at that juncture thin and light, and no storm was 

 in sight, nor within hearing, yet the air was strongly 

 electric ; for the bells of an electric machine at that place 

 rang repeatedly, and fierce sparks were discharged. 



When I first took the present work in hand I proposed 

 to have added an Annus Historico-naturalis, or the Natural 

 History of the Twelve Months of the Year ; which would 

 have comprised many incidents and occurrences that have 

 not fallen in my way to be mentioned in my series of 

 letters; but, as Mr. Aikin of Warrington has lately 

 published somewhat of this sort, and as the length of 

 my correspondence has sufficiently put your patience to the 

 test, I shall here take a respectful leave of you and natural 

 history together ; 



And am, 



With all due deference and regard, 

 Your most obliged, 



And most humble servant, 



GIL. WHITE. 



Selborne, June 25, 1787. 



