112 CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS FAMILY. 



whole circle of sciences for a set of hard words and rumbling 

 terms that make his readers stare. 



As to Thomson (not Tompson), his seasons are sweet poems, 

 full of just description and fine moral reflections ; but then 

 this Scotch bard, thro' a desire of elevating his language above 

 prose, falls also into fustian sometimes ; and though he thinks 

 much like a poet, is often faulty in his diction. 



The ' Cyder ' of John Philips, a didactic and Georgic poem 

 in blank verse, is worthy your attention. This man dyed 

 young ; but had he survived 'till he had acquired a little more 

 ease, and 'till time had somewhat mellowed his muse, he had 

 been an excellent poet. 



Somerville, quite in advanced life, wrote his ' Chace,' a poem 

 full of warmth and spirit and all the enthusiasm of a young- 

 sportsman. 



Thus have I given you my crude sentiments in a hasty way 

 on the subject of English poetry. If my remarks afford any 

 pleasure or information, my intention will be fully answered. 



Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn appear now every clear 

 night, as it were in a line ; but how and when am I to find 

 Mercury ? Had it not been for your father, who shewed him 

 to me at Lyndon in 1760 for near a fortnight together, I 

 should never have seen him at all. 



Yours affectionately, 



GIL. WHITE. 



LETTER XL 



TO SAMUEL BARKER. 



Ringmer, Aug- 84 12, 1775. 



Dear Sam, 

 Suspecting from the habits and shape that fern-owls might 

 resemble the cuckow in its internal construction, I procured 

 two, and found my suspicions not ill grounded ; for upon dis- 

 secting the crop or craw behind the sternum immediately on 

 the bowels, it was bulky and hard, and stuffed with Phalcence 



