SIR HANS SLOAN E\ 39 



But to resume the narrative. Having remained 

 only fifteen months in the island, Dr Sloane re- 

 embarked in the Assistance frigate, on the 16th 

 March, 1689, and reached England on the 29th 

 May. During the interval of his absence from 

 this country, the Revolution had occurred, of 

 which he appears to have received the first tidings 

 within a few leagues of Plymouth. " I was sent,'* 

 he relates, " in an armed boat, to get certain 

 knowledge of the situation of public affairs, and 

 to give a speedy account of it to the Fleet, who 

 were to stand off' of that port, till they were 

 assured of their safety or danger. We had sight 

 first of a boat, which was fishing some leagues 

 from the land, whose master did what he could to 

 dy from us ; but, coming up with him, asking 

 what news, and where the king was, he asked, 

 what king we meant, for that King William was 

 well at Whitehall, and King James in France." 



He had attempted to bring home some living 

 reptiles, but without success. The following is 

 his account of the failure of his endeavours : 

 " Though I foresaw the difficulties, yet I had an 

 intention to try to bring with me from Jamaica 

 some uncommon creatures alive, such as a large 

 yellow snake, seven feet long ; a guana, or great 

 lizard ; a crocodile, &c. ; and I had the snake tamed 

 by an Indian, whom it would follow as a dog 



