4(52 
THE ANTIQUITIES 
[LETT. 
medallions, all of the lower empire. There was not much virtu 
stirring at that time in this neighbourhood ; however, some of 
the gentry and clergy around bought what pleased them best 
and some dozens fell to the share of the author. 
The owners at first held their commodity at a high price 
but, finding that they were not likely to meet with dealers at 
such a rate, they soon low^ered their terms, and sold the fairest 
GILBERT WHITE S HOUSE. 
as they could. The coins that were rejected became current, 
and passed for farthings at the petty shops. Of those that w^e 
saw, the greater part were of Marcus Aurelius, and the Empress 
Faustina, his wife, the father and mother of Commodus. Some 
of Faustina were in high relief, and exhibited a very agreeable 
set of features, which probably resembled that lady. The 
medallions in general were of a paler colour than the coins. 
To pretend to account for the means of their coming to this 
