1NTR OD UC TOR Y OBSER VA TIO NS. 



of science. White was one of those who mainly assisted or 

 tempted persons to observe. Studying, searching out, and in- 

 quiring himself, he incited others j and in the letters he writes 

 to Pennant and Barrington he often asks questions, starts sub- 

 jects for discussion, and brings forward objects new to the 

 existing knowledge of the physical character of the district ; 

 and it is very important that' all those should be explained to 

 the young reader, or to the person perhaps only entering upon 

 the study of nature, and this it will be our object to do in any 

 notes and commentary we may now add, and which can be 

 done we think sufficiently for every purpose, even by one who 

 has not seen the place or resided in the district. But there are 

 other phenomena which can only be illustrated by one who is 

 resident, and has resided for some time, and continuously upon 

 the spot. Sixty years, however short that time may appear, 

 will produce important differences in particular localities. Even 

 during White's incumbency he complains of the changes that 

 are occurring ; and the disturbance to the " Ferae naturae," the 

 increase or destruction of wood, acts remarkably on the Fauna 

 and Flora and on the climate ; so does drainage, particularly 

 that of any larger piece of water, and cultivation influences 

 very materially the habits of the wild animals. Do the stone 

 curlews now abound as they did in White's time, and is their 

 shrill whistle yet heard at the parsonage ? Do the ring-ousels 

 still find their resting-places as formerly. Are all the summer 

 visitants yet found, and have no new ones been added and 

 become common ? How does the meteorology now agree with 

 White's tables ? What are the changes in the Hanger and in 

 Wolmer Forest? These are all subjects for Professor Bell's 

 edition, besides many others which the place itself will suggest, 

 and which he will not omit to introduce. Meanwhile, let 



