146 CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 



and costly a work, and not to be purchased by mean 

 persons. They might have thrust it into a quarter of 

 the compass, and rendered it more useful. The like 

 may be said of Breynius's book. Monsieur Tournefort's 

 history I long to see, not doubting but it will answer 

 my expectation of it. 



As for my intended history, I am now sensible I have 

 undertaken a task beyond my strength, and yet it is res 

 integra. I have not yet proceeded so far but I can, 

 without inconvenience, give it over; but yours, and 

 some other friends' opinions of, and expectations from 

 me, do inspue me with such force and courage as not to 

 despair of my abilities, but to contemn all difficulties, 

 and contend even to excel and outdo myself. I had 

 some expectation of Dr. Morison's work; but finding 

 myself much frustrated therein, and likewise a stop at 

 present put to his proceedings, though it be out of my 

 way, and belong not to my profession, yet because there 

 is no man that I know of, of our nation (as indeed neither 

 is Dr. Morison) competently qualified, either engaged in 

 or designing of such a work, I was more inclinable to 

 listen to the solicitations of my friends putting me upon 

 it. That, whereas those of other nations beyond the 

 seas are busy and active in this kind, it might appear 

 that the English are not altogether idle or asleep, but do, 

 at least, endeavour to contribute something to the pro- 

 moting and cultivating so pleasant and useful a know- 

 ledge. I do not intend to begin to print, or so much as 

 procure, or engrave figiu-es, till I have finished the whole 

 work, to avoid (as much as may be) omissions, mis- 

 placings, and appendixes, and for some other reasons. 



Your remarks upon the sapos of plants I was much 

 pleased with. I did never reflect upon them, nor con- 

 sider of how great use this might possibly be. 



I am a great stranger in the history of the Jesuit's- 

 powder, and therefore not likely to give you any hght 

 thereinto. 



Your observation concerning the rind of Seville oranges 



