An extract from one of the numerous letters Mr. Repton wrote at this time, will best convey an idea of his pursuits, and the perfect happiness of his mind:- "To EDWARD CHAMBERLAYNE, Esq.," Treasury. "Dear Sir,-While I thank you for the present of lamb, let me beg you not to send costly presents in return for mine, which cost nothing but the 'sweat of my brow,'-amply repaid by health, spirits, and exercise. You must remember that I have no other way of shewing you I am alive and happy, than by sending you some part of that abundance with which Providence blesses my farmyard, or my gun. I don't wonder you should be at a loss to find Sustead in your map! It is so small a parish, that I am obliged to enact the various parts of churchwarden, overseer, surveyor of the highways, and esquire of the parish. Let me add, landlord of the inn, by receiving you in the only one there is in the place;-for there is not even an alehouse to disturb my peace. I am impatient to shew you the alterations in my house and lands. The wet hazy meadows, which were deemed incorrigible, have been drained, and transformed to flowery meads. Your gun must, for a time, have rest; but, at this delightful season, you, like me, can want no other inducement to enjoy the air, than what Nature so bountifully provides for her admirers in every hedge and field. Come and see how happy we are! If there be any cause for discontent, it arises from my considering that I have not yet deserved to be so happy. I am taking that at the beginning of life, which all look forward to at its close, as the reward of industry. I am, however, not idle. I read much, having the use of my neighbour Wyndham's library. Sometimes he is so good as to assist me in my studies; and when I was forbidden to read, from a late disorder of my eyes, he would often sit and read to me; for he says he likes my snug study at Sustead better than the old rambling library at Felbrigg. He has introduced me to Mr. Joseph Banks and other learned men, and his library has introduced me to Buffon, De Reaumur, &c.; and they have brought me acquainted with all the insects in my neighbourhood."
