INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. xiii 



the habitation which no pilgrim to this favourite locality will 

 contemplate without extreme interest. It is the residence of 

 the naturalist himself, remaining almost in the same condition 

 externally as when tenanted by him. One wing has been added 

 since his death, and this has been built in exact keeping with 

 the other portions, and the present distinguished occupier has 

 admirably improved the grounds and park behind the house 

 without diminishing the interest attached to the locality by 

 altering its leading features. The house as seen from behind 



BACK VIEW OF WHITE'S HOUSE. 



presents the appearance of a manorial residence, and with 

 its walls covered with ivy and creeping plants, and its many 

 roofs discoloured by the lapse of time, gives just that impression 

 which one would wish to receive of the residence of our author. 

 At the end of the lawn, opposite the house, stands White's sun- 

 dial, set up and used by himself, and here also are pointed out 

 the great oak-tree and juniper-tree referred to in his letters. 

 The space from the lawn to the foot of the ' Hanger ' is occupied 

 by a park now much improved." 



It has not been mentioned by any of his later editors whether 

 the original manuscript of White's letters yet exist, and if so by 

 whom they are possessed neither are we aware of the preserva- 

 tion of any of John's collections, or of the correspondence of his 

 other brothers, and if we except the remains of the old tortoise 



