OF SELBORNE 289 



for the bells of an electric machine at that place rang re- 

 peatedly, 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 lately pub- 

 lished 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. 



55— J 



