xviii I NT ROD UCTOR Y OBSER VA TIONS. 



those who wish to hand down the annals of their own districts 

 study to follow White's example, describe everything simply 

 and truthfully, record only as facts such as are known and 

 can be proved to be such, and never forget that one hand 

 only fashioned all the objects which it gives them pleasure 

 and interest to observe, and that the same power regulates 

 their continuance or change. 



No pains have been spared by the publishers of the present 

 edition to illustrate it fully. An artist, Mr. Pearson, was sent 

 to Selborne to procure authentic sketches of the village and 

 surrounding country, so that these may be depended upon as 

 faithful representations, and not mere copies from previous 

 engravings. These have also been accompanied by some 

 notes describing the present condition of Selborne, which 

 cannot fail to be interesting. 



" Selborne has probably suffered as little from change as any 

 village that has obtained a similar celebrity. It has been so 

 often described in former editions of White's fascinating and 

 instructive volume, that any farther account of its present 

 aspect might appear unnecessary, yet in some few particulars it 

 may be interesting to note the result of a recent visit. The 

 first view of Selborne obtained by the visitor as he approaches 

 the village from the new Elton read is peculiarly striking. The 

 church and vicarage with a few of the houses lie embosomed 

 among trees in the valley; beyond these a small wooded park 

 belonging to the residence of White extends to the " Hanger/' 

 or hanging wood, which is a striking feature in this locality. 

 This wood, composed of luxuriant beech-trees, rises on the 

 side of a steep hill to a great height, appearing to overhang 

 the village, and giving to the landscape a particular and 

 striking beauty. Nore Hill, seen upon the left, is also a 



