116 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



men in a former voyage, that had in his belly a woman 

 stitched up in a strong rug, and bit into halves, and almost 

 digested to the bones within the compass of a very few 

 hours; for the woman died, and was thrown overboard 

 the same day the shark was taken. He has usually the 

 attendance of about two or three Pilot-fishes [Naucrates 

 ducto7-\ about a foot long, which are commonly seen to taste 

 of the bait immediately before their master ; and there 

 are often found sticking to his side small fishes [Echeneis 

 remora], which, with transverse folds upon the head and 

 back, cling close to his skin, and I believe wait there for some 

 little reversions that slip from his teeth. When he catcheth 

 at a prey, he turns his belly up, thrusteth his jaw-bones 

 forth of the skin (as you see it now), and sets his teeth 

 upright, which, at other times, lie flat, in three, four, five, 

 or six rows, according as his age is. I could make no 

 more observations, the seamen urging me to rid him out 

 of hand, thinking it a very childish thing to sit poring on 

 a carcase. I see daily here strange plants, which, with 

 their seeds and other toys, I would have long ago sent 

 you, could I have got a friend that would take care of 

 them ; but as soon as may be you shall have them. 



This is part of the letter I received from Dr. Towne 

 and mentioned to you. I have the fish hanging in my 

 hall. 



Dr. LisTEE to Mr. Ray at Coleshill, in Warwickshire. 



Dear Sir, — I received the kind token of the Ornitho- 

 logy with much joy : I pray for the continuance of your 

 health, that you may with the same diligence and accu- 

 rateness put forth the remaining papers. Certainly never 

 man was so happy in a friend as he has been in you, 

 who have been so just to his memory and labours. 



I am very glad you say so much concerning the Enghsh 

 edition, which you tell me you intend to augment. 



