SEVENTEENTH CENTURY 205 
1662-68 was not occupying himself with birds, although much 
engaged in botany. It is possible that Browne drew them 
up for Sir Philip Skippon of Wrentham, with whom he was 
acquainted, but more likely still is the hint thrown out by 
Evelyn that they were intended for Sir Nicholas Bacon, who 
it would seem at one time resided in Norfolk. 
The words with which they commence; “I willingly obey 
your commands in setting down,” etc., clearly show that they 
were written for some one who took an interest in natural 
history, and the tract on “ Plants mentioned in Scripture ” 
was addressed to Bacon.* 
* See Wilkin’s edition (Vol. IIL, p. 381, and IV., p. 191), also “ Norfolk 
Families,” by Walter Rye (pp. 16, 17). 
