respondence with many of the most eminent scientific characters of that period, and often consulted on subjects connected with the natural history of his county; particularly by Mr Pennant, who was then engaged on his British Zoology. At the present time, we find his works extensively quoted, and many of his observations borne out by more modern experiments. The fauna of Great Britain is indebted to him for the first notice of the great bat, vespertilio noctula, and for the discovery and detailed history of the harvest-mouse, mus messorius, in addition to various remarks on different productions, both animal and vegetable, and the elucidation of many facts regarding popular superstitions and abuses. In the last edition of his works we have the following biographical sketch of his life, perhaps the only one extant:-" Gilbert White was the eldest son of John White of Selborne, Esq., and of Anne, the daughter of Thomas Holt, rector of Streatham in Surrey. He was born at Selborne on July 18, 1720, and received his school education at Basingstoke, under the Rev. Thomas War 3 ton, vicar of that place, and father of those two distinguished literary characters, Dr Joseph Warton, master of Winchester school, and Mr Thomas Warton, poetry professor at Oxford. He was admitted at Oriel College, Oxford, in December, 1739, and took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1743. In March, 1744, he was elected Fellow of his College. He became Master of Arts in October, 1746, and was admitted one of the senior Proctors of the University in April, 1752. Being of an unambitious temper, and strongly attached to the 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 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. Thus his days passed tranquil and serene, with scarcely INTRODUCTION. "Observatores pauci, qui, scientiæ mysteriis initiati, rité colligunt, collecta examinant, discrimina quærunt, naturæ arcana rimantur." SCOPOLI. attention that of late years has been udy of Natural History, to our commerce, mamestic economy, must pt to increase or sime of it at once praisee; and, it is hoped, will ogy for the reprint of a lready gone through se |