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If the writer should at all appear to have induced any of 

 his readers to pay a more ready attention to the wonders 

 of the Creation, too frequently overlooked as common 

 occurrences ; or if he should by any means, through his 

 researches, have lent an helping hand towards the enlarge- 

 ment of the boundaries of historical and topographical 

 knowledge ; or if he should have thrown some small light 

 upon ancient customs and manners, and especially on those 

 that were monastic, his purpose will be fully answered. But 

 if he should not have been successful in any of these his 

 intentions, yet there remains this consolation behind — that 

 these his pursuits, by keeping the body and mind employed, 

 have, under Providence, contributed to much health and 

 cheerfulness of spirits, even to old age : — and, what still adds 

 to his happiness, have led him to the knowledge of a circle 

 of gentlemen whose intelligent communications, as they have 

 afforded him much pleasing information, so, could he flatter 

 himself with a continuation of them, would they ever be 

 deemed a matter of singular satisfaction and improvement. 



GIL: WHITE. 



Selborne, January isf, 1788. 



