130 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



Mr. Ray to Dr. Hans Sloane.* 



Black Notley, June 8, —81. 



Sir, — It is now about a fortnight since the post 

 brought me your very civil and obliging letter, the 

 receipt whereof I should sooner have acknowledged, but 

 that I awaited the arrival of your acceptable present, 

 which Mr. Smith sent me not till last week, deferring so 

 long, I suppose, that he might send my book and that 

 together, which, by the printer's fault, was not sooner 

 furnished. I am too conscious of my own weakness to 

 own what you write of me, yet look upon it as an effect 

 of your kindness and goodwill, it being a common fault 

 in friends to permit their affection too much to influence 

 and bias their judgment. I am sorry that I had not 

 leisure and opportunity when I was in London curiously 

 to view your rare collection of plants. I know I should 

 have received much information and satisfaction thereby. 

 I hope you persist in your resolution of making your 

 discoveries and observations public, for your own honour, 

 and the advancement of real philosophy, and that you 

 ■ move forwards vigorously in it. I am sensible that the 

 charge of figiu-es may deter you, therefore I think it were 

 adviseable to imitate Dr. Plukenet, to draw them in 

 piccolo, using a small scale, and thrust many species into 

 a plate. I would not have the ingenious deferred the 

 fruition of such a treasure, the sight of so grateful 

 objects, nor you the credit of your inventions. 



I hope you have received the little tract which I 

 ordered Mr. Smith to present you with a copy of. If 

 you come down into the country this summer, I hope 

 you will do us the kindness to give us a visit at Black 

 Notley. My wife (who tenders her humble service to 

 you), as well as myself, would be very glad to see you 



* Memorials, p. 4(». 



