MEMOIR OF EAT. 59 



insects, which he had been recommending Dr Der- 

 ham to pursue) ; and, besides, I am so lame, and al- 

 most continually afflicted with pain, that I cannot 

 attend any study, being diverted by pain. 'Tis true, 

 of late years I have diverted myself by searching 

 out the various species of insects to be found here- 

 abouts ; but I have confined myself chiefly to two 

 or three sorts, viz. Papilios diurnal and nocturnal, 

 Beetles, Bees, and Spiders. Of the first of these 

 I have found about 300 kinds, and there are still 

 remaining many more undiscovered by me, and all 

 within the compass of a few miles. I have now 

 given over my inquisition, bv reason of my dis- 

 ability to prosecute, and my approaching end, 

 which 1 pray God fit me for. iou that have more 

 time betbre you may profitably Destxw some of your 

 spare hours upon such enquiries, and may probably 

 make useful discoveries, at least may reap a great 

 deal ot pleasure and satisfaction in finding out and 

 ormging to lignt some of the works of God not 

 before taken notice of." But before his increasing 

 infirmities obliged him to abandon this study the 

 ast that occupied the attention of his active mind 

 ne had prepared pretty copious materials for a his- 

 tory of insects, which was published after his death by 

 Dr Derham, at the expense of the Royal Society. 

 It comprises all Willughby's descriptions in addi- 

 tion to his own, and forms a small quarto of 398 

 pages, including an appendix on British Beetles by 

 Dr Lister. The descriptions are frequently of con- 



