CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 191 



far as I can discern by the dried plant. The grass you 

 sent I think is not the Gramon aureum of Dalecharap, 

 for that is paniculate, and hath a pendulous panicle. We 

 have discovered this grass hereabouts. The Musciis or 

 Conferva I cannot say I have observed myself, but I think 

 it hath been shown me by Mr. Newton. Your Atriplex 

 maritima folio sinuato candicante angusto I am not satis- 

 fied in. You that saw it growing and green can better 

 judge of it than I by a dried specimen ; I make some 

 doubt whether it be of that genus or not, and whether it 

 may not be the Atriplex angustifolia maritima dentata 

 [Atriplex marina, Linn.] described in our History, p. 193. 

 The seed vessel I cannot discern, and so can affirm 

 nothing, but incline to think it is that. 



I thank you for your continued friendship, in so frankly 

 affording me your assistance in carrying on this tedious 

 work I have in hand, and desire you would quicken Mr. 

 Wattes to hasten the accomplishing what he hath pro- 

 mised, that so the [matter] may not be deferred in ex- 

 pectance of his contribution. I do resolve (God granting 

 life and health), with as much speed as strength and 

 leisure \^^ll permit, to pursue the work, that so the sub- 

 scribers may not have reason to complain of delay and 

 frustration. I long to see Dr. Herman's book, which, 

 as you well intimate, will in all hkelihood much facilitate 

 the Avork, and ease Mr. Wattes of much trouble in de- 

 scribing and giving the history of his rarer and non- 

 descript plants. I am, sir, 



Your very humble servant, 

 John Ray. 



Black Notley, Aug. 24, —86. 



Mr. Ray to Dr. Hans Sloane. 



B.N., April 1,-87. 



Sir, — The last week the coachman brought me a 

 second letter from you before 1 had acknowledged the 



