A VISIT TO SELBORNE. 
103 
After careful examination of all the points of interest in this 
ancient church, we went round the outside, and saw the last 
resting-place of Gilbert White. In a simple, grass-covered grave, 
with a plain, grey headstone, lies the good man whose reverent 
love of the Creator’s handiwork has led to his name being held 
in affectionate remembrance by all true naturalists. Our next 
visit was to his house, where, by the great kindness and courtesy 
of its present owners, we were shown the various rooms, the 
private study, the ancient kitchen and hall, each in perfect 
order, evidently preserved with reverent care in their original 
condition. 
Perhaps most delightful of all was our walk through the 
garden, where the fine old trees, lit up by the evening sun, threw 
their long shadows on the soft turf. The vivid tints of green, 
varied by the brown unopened buds of some of the later beeches 
in the Hanger, made a lovely picture. We were shown the 
ancient sundial, a venerable looking stone pillar, and the narrow 
brick path across the lawn by which Gilbert White was able on 
dewy mornings to reach, dry-shod, the little summer-house 
where he would sit in quietude, observing the habits of birds as 
they flew to and fro between the garden and the Hanger. The 
summerhouse, alas ! has been pulled down, to the great regret 
of the present owner of “ The Wakes.” 
The wych elm mentioned in the history of Selborne still 
exists in great beauty and vigour, a wonderful instance of root 
vitality. The original tree became hollow from extreme age. 
