374 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



should mend, which yet I have little reason to hope in that 

 short time I have to live in this world. I must acknow- 

 ledge myself also obliged very much to Dr. Sherard for so 

 frankly communicating his vast collections of rare and 

 nondescript plants for the enriching of my work ; though 

 the ordering and naming of them, with brief notes of dis- 

 tinction added, is a business above my strength, who have 

 seen none of them growing, nor am sufficiently versed in 

 dried plants to be able to judge of them aright. 



Some of the books Dr. Sherard mentioned to you, espe- 

 cially Mr. Bobart's History, I would willingly see as soon 

 as may be, that I may finish my Method of Plants, 

 which I would fain get off hand as soon as I can, that so I 

 may apply myself wholly to the perfecting of this Sup- 

 plement. One such task is enough to take up my 

 thoughts : Pectora nostra duas non admittentia euros. 



The letter you sent me came from Father Camel. I 

 doubt not but Dr. Sherard hath shown it to you. I should 

 be very glad to hear that the designs and descriptions he 

 mentions were received : they would be a very great advan- 

 tage and ornament to my work. I cannot but look upon 

 it as an effect of Providence to stir up a man so weh 1 

 skilled in plants to apply himself to the inquisition, deli- 

 neation, and description of the plants growing in those 

 remote parts of the world, and giving an account of their 

 virtues and uses. 



My wife gives you her very humble service, so I take 

 leave, and rest, 



Sir, 

 Your very affectionate and much obliged 



friend and servant, 



JOHN RAY. 



For his honoured friend, Dr. Hans Sloane, 



at his house at the corner of Southampton street, 

 towards Bloom sbury square, London. 



