CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 407 



can procure specimens of ; and to superintend the gravers 

 to see that they do their work well, and to put titles to 

 the several sculps, &c. Such supervisors, I doubt, it will 

 be difficult to find, and pensions or salaries must be 

 allowed them. I was loth to give you any trouble about 

 this affair, because I know you to be full of business, and 

 to have but little time to spare, but I am constrained, 

 Dr. Robinson excusing himself for not being acquainted 

 with the bishop. I am in some haste, the messenger 

 waiting for my letter, and so shall add no more than that 

 I am, 



Sir, 



much obliged and affectionate friend and 

 humble servant, 



JOHN RAY. 



For his honoured friend, Dr. Hans Sloane, 



at his house at the corner of Southampton street, 

 towards Bloomsbury square, London. 



Sir HANS SLOANE to Mr. RAY. 



SIR, I received yours, and have spoken to the Bishop 

 of London about the graving the plates for your History. 

 He seems to be in very good earnest about it, and with- 

 out question will be able to do very considerable matters 

 in it ; but I find Dr. Sherard and others think it impos- 

 sible to be effected. I will inquire a little farther into it, 

 and talk with Dr. Sherard, Dr. Robinson, and Mr. 

 Petiver, &c., and then again discourse his lordship about 

 it. I imagine it would be best done by sections. 



London, Jan. li, 1702. 



