468 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



province of the continent of America, where they fell 

 yearly great store of these trees, and bring them to 

 Jamaica, and our other plantations, to be transported 

 hither for the use of dyers. That the Dildoe-tree is the 

 same with the Cereus or Torch-plant. " Cseterum Dildoe 

 nonnullis Priapum fictitium significat, quo oflfoenis lascivias 

 mulierculae abuti solent ad nefariae quoddam libidinis genus 

 seu coitum umbratilem exercendum." I might add to 

 these the Toddy-tree, the Prickly-pear, the Sower-sop, 

 Bonavists, and many others whose significations may be 

 found in this Catalogue. 



Besides, we are assured by this work, that there are 

 some plants common, not only to Europe and America, 

 but even to England and Jamaica, notwithstanding the 

 great distance of place, and difference both of longitude 

 and climate. But here it is to be noted, that the greatest 

 part of these common plants are such as grow in the water 

 or watery places ; there being, it seems, a greater agree- 

 ment between the temper of the waters than of the air in 

 these remotely distant countries. 



Mr. RAT to Dr. HANS SLOANE. 



SIR, I received yours of Feb. 29th, in answer 

 whereto in the first place I must deny any obligation on 

 your part, but own a very great one on mine. Next I 

 shall acquaint you with the reason I made those queries, 

 which was because in the intended Supplement to my 

 History I am resolved to acknowledge and correct all the 

 errors and mistakes that myself, friends, or strangers 

 shall discover therein. Yet would I do nothing rashly, 

 but be fully satisfied before I correct anything, that it is 

 indeed a mistake. 



I proceed now to the particular answers you are pleased 



