192 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



receipt of your former, which delay I hope you will im- 

 pute rather to my incumbrances than negligence ; for 

 truly the prosecution of this work I have in hand leaves 

 me but little time to spare. I thank you for the informa- 

 tion and intelligence communicated in your first letter. 

 Were it not for the danger and hazard of so long a 

 voyage, I could heartily wish such a person as yourself 

 might travel to Jamaica, and search out and examine 

 thoroughly the natural varieties of that island. Much 

 light might be given to the history of the American 

 plants, by one so well prepared for such an undertaking, 

 by a comprehensive knowledge of the European. Nay 

 (which is more), that history, we might justly expect, would 

 not only be illustrated but much improved and advanced. 

 The fair specimen you sent inclosed in your last hath 

 informe'd me concerning the Irish Dulrsh,* for so I think 

 you spell it. I own myself to have been mistaken in it ; 

 for it is not the Alga membranacea purpurea parva com- 

 monly thrown upon our shores, but a plant not observed 

 by me though I take it to be the Fucus membranaceus 

 ceranoides, C. B., both from the Scottish name Dils, and 

 in that he makes it resemble the Lactuca marina, which 

 this very much doth, so that I am in doubt, whether I 

 ought to entitle it a Fucus or Lactuca. It may be deno- 

 minated Fucus membranaceus poluscliidos Hibernicus viola 

 odore, which scent is very remarkable in it. In the ap- 

 pendix we may give a more full and perfect history and 

 description of it. I pray the continuance of your corre- 

 spondence and rest, Sir, 



Your very humble servant, 



JOHN RAY. 



For Dr. Hans Sloane, at Mr. Wilkinson's 

 a bookseller, at the Black Boy, over against 

 St. Dunstan's church, in Fleet Street, London. 



* The Dulse of Scotland and Dillesk of Ireland is, according to Greville 

 (Brit. Alg. 94) the Rhodomenia palmata (Grev.) The Iridtea edulis is called 

 Dulse in the south-west of England. 



