RAY. 



161 



large cock-pit. The owner got about £300 for this 

 show, the best seats being a guinea, and the worst five 

 shillings. The tyger used his paws very much to 

 cuff his adversaries with, and sometimes would ex- 

 ert his claws, but not often ; using his jaws most, 

 and aiming at under or upper sides of the neck, 

 where wounds are dangerous. He had a fowl given 

 him alive, which, by means of his feet and mouth, 

 he very artfully first pluck'd, and then eat, the 

 feathers, such as got into his mouth, being trouble- 

 some. The remainders of his drink, in which he 

 has lapp'd, is said by his keeper to kill dogs and 

 other animals that drink after him, being, by his 

 fome, made poisonous and ropy. I hope you will 

 pardon this tedious narration, because I am apt to 

 think 'tis very rare that such a battle happens, or 

 such a fine tyger is seen here." 



Ray had many other correspondents besides those 

 of whom mention has been made. Their commu- 

 nications, however, seem neither very interesting in 

 themselves, nor so closely connected with our nar- 

 rative as to render it necessary to introduce any 

 extracts. But, as we have given some samples of 

 his friends' letters, it may be thought right to pre- 

 sent one of his own. 



Mr Ray to Dr Robinson. 



« Black Notley, Dec. 15, —90. 



" Sir, — The essay you propound concerning the 

 ancient and modern learning were not difficult to 

 make ; but I think you are better qualified for 

 such an undertaking than I, and therefore shall re- 

 fer it to you. In summe the ancients excel the 



K 



