MEMOIR OF RAT. 37 



distinction that now attaches to it, is chiefly to be at- 

 tributed to the affectionate care of Ray, who under- 

 took to complete and publish several works which 

 he left imperfect ; a task which he executed with 

 so much fidelity and regard to the fame of his de- 

 ceased friend, that the reader is led to attribute to 

 Mr Willughby much of the merit that belonged 

 exclusively to Ray. These important works will be 

 mentioned more particularly hereafter. They were 

 originally undertaken in conformity with a plan for 

 furnishing a complete history and description of 

 plants and animals, of which the following account 

 is given by Dr Derham, who derived his informa- 

 tion directly from Ray. " These two gentlemen, 

 finding the history of nature very imperfect, had 

 agreed between themselves, before their travels be- 

 yond sea, to reduce the several tribes of things to 

 a method ; and to give accurate descriptions of the 

 several species, from a strict view of them. And 

 forasmuch as Mr Willughby's genius lay chiefly to 

 Animals, therefore he undertook the Birds, Beasts, 

 Fishes, and Insects, as Mr Ray did the Vegetables. 

 How each of these two great men discharged his 

 province, the world hath seen in their works. Mr 

 Willughby's labours were so incessant in his studies, 

 that he allowed himself little or no time for those 

 recreations and diversions which men of his estate 

 and degree are apt to spend too much of their time 

 in ; but he prosecuted his design with as great ap- 

 plication, as if he had been to get his bread thereby. 



