INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 



Upon the death of our author, Gilbert, the estate of Selborne 

 was succeeded to by his brother Benjamin, the publisher. We 

 are not aware of the circumstances under which this was after- 

 wards sold, but some years since it became, and now is, the 

 property of as worthy a successor as could have been chosen, 

 whether we regard his abilities as a naturalist, or the respect in 

 which he holds all that belonged to White. Professor Thomas 

 Bell is now the possessor of White's property and mansion ; 

 and we know that he has been careful to preserve, as far as 

 possibly could be done, in its original state, everything that 

 belonged to the place, or that could throw light upon his cor- 

 respondence. We consider that it is Professor Bell alone who 

 can properly edit a new " Selborne." From his own knowledge 

 of natural history, and particularly of British Zoology, he is 

 eminently qualified to illustrate the writings and verify the 

 observations, while his residence upon tiiat spot, now his home, 

 gives him opportunities possessed by no other. We believe 

 that this is even now in progress : we would not wish to hurry 

 it, but long much to see it. 



In writing thus we have no desire to express oui selves dis- 

 paragingly of previous editions ; on the contrary, we think they 

 have been all required, and that the call is still onward. 

 Professor Bell's edition will, in all probability, be an expensive 

 one, for we are sure no pains or expense will be spared in any 

 of the departments ; it will therefore not be in circulation 

 among certain classes. Now in a work so much read, and 

 likely still to be so, when it can be obtained at so moderate a 

 charge as that of the volumes of the " Illustrated Library," it is 

 essential that explanations should accompany it, and this is one 

 reason for notes to such a book. Since the time of the letters 

 from Selborne vast advances have been made in all branches 



