INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 
charms of rural scenery, he early fixed his residence in his 
native village, where he spent the greater part of his life in 
literary occupations, and especially in the study of nature. This 
he followed with a patient assiduity, and a mind ever open to 
the lessons of piety and benevolence, which such a study is so 
well calculated to afford. Though several occasions offered of 
settling upon a college living, he could never persuade himself to 
quit the beloved spot, which was indeed a peculiarly happy 
situation for an observer. He was much esteemed by a select 
society of intelligent and worthy friends, to whom he paid 
occasional visits. Thus his days passed tranquil and serene, 
with scarcely any other vicissitudes than those of the seasons, 
till they closed at a mature age on June 26, 1793." And thus 
he was born, lived, and died, in his native parish and village, 
respected by those around him, contented in his own mind, and 
endeavouring to fulfil his various duties as a clergyman and 
member of society. A grave-stone, as unobtrusive as his life, 
marks upon the turf of the church-yard the place of his 
interment. While his relatives have endeavoured to erect a 
monument less exposed to decay, by placing in the interior of 
the chancel a simple marble tablet, bearing the arms of the 
family, and inscribed as follows. 
In the Fiftli Grave from this wall are interred the Remains of 
THE REV. GILBERT WHITE, M.A. 
Fifty Years Fellow of Oriel College in Oxford, 
And Historian of this his native Parish. 
He was the eldest son of John White, Esquire, Barrister-at-Law, 
I And Anne his Wife, only child of 
I Thomas Holt, Rector of Streatham in Surrey ; 
Which said John White was the only child of Gilbert White, 
I Formerly Vicar of this Parish. 
He was kind and beneficent to his Relations, 
Benevolent to the Poor, 
And deservedly esteemed by all his Friends and Neighbours. 
He was born July 18, 1720, O.S. 
And died June 20, 1/93. 
Nec bono quicquam mali evenire potest 
nee vivo, nec mortuo. 

