MEMOIR OP DRURY. 31 



will be in vain to expect to get them by the assist- 

 ance of a stranger. I am strongly inclined to think 

 there are no species in Africa the same as those we 

 have here (or, however, but a few) ; indeed, we are 

 so little acquainted with the product of that part of 

 the world, that our judgment in these cases is rather 

 conjecture than founded on any knowledge or expe- 

 rience. Hence I take the liberty of saying, that 

 whatever you will oblige me with from these cli- 

 mates will receive an addition to its intrinsic value 

 from our ignorance of the insects found there, and 

 for this reason, not only myself, but mankind in 

 general, may be indebted to you for your endeavours 

 this way, as I am very sensible it will be in your 

 power to send me over many undescribed insects. 

 (The writer then proceeds to describe the places 

 where insects are most likely to be found, a portion 

 of the letter which we think it unnecessary to insert 

 here, as that matter is fully treated of in a paper 

 given on a subsequent page). I think I have now 

 gone through every kind, and mentioned every cir- 

 cumstance necessary to be known for procuring and 

 preserving these creatures. Before I conclude, let 

 me take the liberty of saying, that I shall ever con- 

 sider myself so much indebted to you for any present 

 of the above kind, that I shall take the first oppor- 

 tunity of manifesting my gratitude by a propor- 

 tionate return. I would not shock your sensibility, 

 for what expense you may be at in procuring them 

 I do not know, but whatever it may be, it is but 

 just I should return it. I shall only beg of you not 



