Mr. Ray to the Editor. 343^ 



of them, much lefs of difcovering the feveral changes 

 they go through, from the Egg to the Papilio^ and 

 defcribing the Eruca and Amelia of each. 

 • I am of Opinion that the number of Beetles is equal 

 to, if it doth not exceed that of Papilios y and they all 

 undergo the like changes with themj of which I 

 know no Man hath given us any tolerable Account. 



The name of Mufca I know not how far to extend, 

 but if we make it to comprehend all the diptera, then 

 it will take in Gnats and fipulte 5 and if them only, 

 where fhall we place the Mufca Papilioniformes and 

 Formiciformesy &c. 



I fhould refer all flying InfeSls with four membra- 

 naceous Wings, and a fting in their Tails, to the Bee* 

 kind: But then I muft draw under that Tribe the 

 Formica^ which have Bodies too unlike. 



The Work which I have now entred upon is in- 

 deed too great a Task for me * I am very crazy and 

 infirm, arid God knows whether I {hall over-live 

 this Winter, Cold Weather is very grievous to me; 

 befides, I have not beftow'd fufficient time and pains 

 in the queft of any .Tribe of Infe6b, except Papili<?s % 

 and I have told how far fhort I am of perfe&ion in 

 that. I rely chiefly on Mr. Willughbyh Difcoveries, 

 and the Contributions of Friends , Mr. Petiver^ Mr, 

 Dandridge, Dr. Sloane^ Mr. Morton^ Mr. Stoneftreet. 

 As for my own Papers on this Subjed they are not 

 worth the preferving •> and Mr. JVillughbfs muft be 

 return'd to his Son Sir tfho. Willughby^ from whom I 

 had them, with promife to return them if I did 

 not make ufe of them. 



Slack Nctley, Seft, 6. 1704, 



Mr 



