CORRESPONDENCE OF RAT. 471 



You have done botanies great service in contracting the 

 number of species, and in reducing many exhibited to 

 us by authors under different names to one. I cannot 

 sufficiently commend your pains herein, being so well 

 qualified for such an undertaking. 



For Dr. Hans Sloane, 



at his house, at the corner of Southampton street, 

 towards Bloomsbury square, London. 



Mr. RAY to Dr. HANS SLOANE. 



SIR, I return you most hearty thanks for your noble 

 present of venison, which seems to be very good. I could 

 wish we might have your good company at the eating of 

 it, only I know it is no novelty to you. I should be glad 

 to see you here as soon and as often as you please, 

 where you shall be exceeding welcome, as you well 

 deserve, to, 



Sir, 

 Your very humble servant, 



JOHN RAY. 



My wife tenders her humble service to you. 

 For Dr. Hans Sloane, at Newhall. 



Mr. RAY to Dr. HANS SLOANE. 



SIR, I thank you for your last very kind and friendly 

 letter of August 28th, and the advice and directions therein 



r'ven, which, so soon as I can get the medicine prepared, 

 intend to follow, unless I find a sudden amendment, 

 which I am not without some hopes of, the ulcers lately 

 seeming to promise healing. I agree with you in opinion, 

 and hope that I may find great help from the use of it. 

 Mr. Dale tells me that it would not be safe for me to dry 



