XV111 PREFACE. 



among them such only as might fairly be appended 

 to it, reserving the mass for a separate publication 

 on " Selborne and its Vicinity/ 5 in the preparation 

 of which they eagerly and enthusiastically joined. 

 Landscapes of infinite variety and of surpassing 

 loveliness, curious and extraordinary productions 

 of nature, buildings of picturesque effect, and 

 single objects of note or interest, were sketched 

 by the one, and commented on by the other, until 

 the portfolio was literally crammed, and the utmost 

 limits of their time were reached. 



Lured by the glowing descriptions which I 

 received, in company with a friend whose initials 

 will be found appended to many of the notes in 

 the present volume, 1 visited them in their retreat; 

 and for the brief space of three days joined them 

 in their excursions, participated in their enthu- 

 siasm, and witnessed the delighted feelings with 

 which they pursued their pleasing occupation. The 

 manifest improvement in my brother's health and 

 spirits made me happy in the feeling that I had 

 contributed to persuade him, reluctant as he was 

 at first to engage in it, to undertake a task which 

 had led to so gratifying a result. But time wore on : 

 his return to London could no longer be delayed, 

 and Selborne was quitted not without a painful 

 struggle. So strong a hold had it gained on his 

 affections, that I felt persuaded, whenever he could 

 tear himself away from the busy scenes of life, 

 Selborne or its immediate neighbourhood would 

 be chosen as the spot whereon to pass the remain- 

 der of his days. 



His first care on his return was to prepare the 



