CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 435 



And for the English ones you have been more industrious 

 and happy than I in discovering fifty-five species ; whereas 

 all that I could find or procure amount to no more than 

 forty-three ; and yet I think I have all mentioned in your 

 'Centuries.' Of Phalaenae, or nocturnal ones, I have 

 described above two hundred kinds, found near us, and 

 yet am not near come to an end of those of our neigh- 

 bourhood. I guess those to be found in all England are 

 treble of that sum. But I shall say no more of this subject 

 at present, because I shall not meddle with it till my 

 Supplement be despatched ; only, which I had almost 

 forgot, I must acquaint you with what method I intend to 

 use, anfrthat is Swammerdam's, in his general 'History of 

 Insects/ which seems to me the best of all. It would be 

 long to describe it, and therefore I refer you to the book. 

 Be pleased to respite the sending your insects till I be 

 at leisure to describe them, which will not be till my 

 Supplement be out. 



Your contributions to my Supplement I wish you 

 would fit for the press yourself, to save me any pains 

 about them ; for, alas, I am so ill and afflicted with pain 

 that I am fit for nothing ; and yet were I never so well, to 

 examine all particulars would be impossible for me, be- 

 cause I want books, and it would take up more time 

 than the undertaker's interest will admit. My parts and 

 memory are much impaired by age and continual pain. 

 Yet should I be glad to see the plants themselves, which 

 you may please to send down as you intended next 

 week. If figures cannot be procured, it were better lay 

 aside all thoughts of writing a history. I shall at present 

 add no more than that I am, 



Sir, 

 Yours to serve you, 



JOHN RAY. 



Black Notley, Sept. 11, 1703. 



