208 CORRESPONDENCE OE GILBERT WHITE 



spring. The ' castle-yard' is adjoining on the side next the town. 

 The largest extent of the intrenchments in a quadrangular form 

 is beyond. An elderly man told me there are many very fine 

 springs in the parish ; the town doubtless has its name from 

 this spring. The mills are ' undershot ;' and one of them is 

 not above a hundred yards from the well-head, though by the 

 stream (that winds about) it may be more. There is higher 

 land (perhaps it may be called a hill) about three miles off, 

 perhaps not quite so much, and in appearance a wood upon 

 it." I send you this account, as it confirms your etymology 

 of Selborne, if it needs confirmation ; and if you think so you 

 may perhaps mention this in a note, if the work is not entirely 

 finished. I have not looked to see whether Camden says any 

 thing about Bourn, but it is likely he does. * * * 



Your obliged servant, 



R. CHURTON. 



LETTER XIV. 



FROM GILBERT WHITE TO MR. CHURTON. 



Selborne, Oct. 14, 1788. 

 Dear Sir, 

 I snatch this opportunity, by means of Mr. Ventris, who is 

 going to leave us, to return you thanks for your kind enqui- 

 ries, and to inform you that my brother was mending very 

 fast of his first complaint, but was seized last night with a 

 sharp fit of the gout, which we trust in the end may do him 

 good. The new Rector talks of coming to Faringdon to reside 

 immediately, tho' he is not yet in possession. We are glad 

 to hear that you got well to Coll. 



Y r very humble servant, 



GIL. WHITE. 



