Page:White - The natural history of Selborne, and the naturalist's calendar, 1879.djvu/17

Rh 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 26th, 1793."

White was the eldest of the eleven children which followed the union of John White and Anne his wife. Eight of them grew up; but the only one which calls for mention now was Benjamin, who became a publisher, his specialité being works on Natural History, and he it was who published his brother's book.

Gilbert White was ordained a deacon when he was twenty-seven and priest when he was twenty-nine, years old. In 1755, he being thirty-five years old, he took up his residence with his father at Selborne; and on his father's death in 1758, he became the occupier of the house, and shortly afterwards the owner, and there he lived until his death. He had a curacy at Faringdon, an adjoining parish, until 1784, when he became curate of Selborne. He several times refused livings which were offered to him, though he accepted one which required neither residence, service, nor attention on his part, the duties being performed by others. White had a sufficiency of income to enable him to live a quiet and comfortable life in the old house at Selborne. He was never married; but this was from no lack of good qualities on his part, for he was an affectionate and kind brother, uncle, and neighbour. He is described as being a pleasant little man, brisk in manner and