ON SELBORNE COMMON 71 



The house in which Yalden lived is still standing, 

 from the windows of which a most enchanting view 

 of the surrounding country, including Nore Hill, is 

 obtained. It is approached from the side of the 

 Common by an avenue of venerable Scotch firs, which 

 adds much to its picturesque appearance. Unlike 

 White's house at Selborne, it occupies high ground, and 

 in dry seasons there is sometimes a difficulty about 

 water. The only source of supply is a vast rain-water 

 tank, which, as we learn from Gilbert White's letters, 

 one winter gave out, and water had to be fetched from 

 the south side of Nore Hill. That Richard Yalden, like 

 his friend the Selborne naturalist, took an interest in 

 country pursuits is evident. When preaching not long 

 since in his beautiful old church a small Early English 

 building, exquisitely cared for in all respects I lighted 

 on a manuscript-diary and weather chart, in which the 

 good vicar, after the manner of Gilbert White, entered 

 daily the state of the weather. Sometimes more inter- 

 esting entries are made. Now Mr Yalden " drinks tea 

 with Mr White at the Wakes," now he dines there. 

 Once or twice an observation on natural history is 

 entered. He notes the hearing of a chiffchaff on Sel- 

 borne Common, and the cry of a stone-curlew. Like 

 Gilbert White, too, he is a painstaking parson and 

 cares for his people. We meet with a list of persons 

 residing at Newton, at Hawkley and at Greatham 

 respectively to whom he has given copies of a book 

 on the Sacrament that they may understand the rite 

 the better. 



It was a great grief to Gilbert White when, in 1784, 

 the health of Mr Yalden began to fail, and many were 

 the walks across Selborne Common to inquire after his 



