Though the clouds at South Lambeth, near Lon- 

 don, were at that juncture thin and light, and no 

 storm was in sight, nor within hearing, yet the air 

 was strongly electric; for the bells of an electric 

 machine at that place rang repeatedly, and fierce 

 sparks were discharged. 



When I first took the present work in hand I 

 proposed to have added an Annus Historico-naturalis ; 

 or, The Natural History of the Twelve Months of the 

 Year ; which would have comprised many incidents 

 and occurrences that have not fallen in my way to 

 be mentioned in my series of letters ; but as Mr. 

 Aikin of Warrington has published somewhat of this 

 sort, and as the length of my correspondence has 

 sufficiently put your patience to the test, I shall here 

 take a respectful leave of you and natural history 

 together ; and am. 



With all due deference and regard, 

 Your most obliged. 



And most humble Servant, 



Gil. White. 



Selborne, June 25, 1787. 



198 



