SIR J. E. SMITH. 



83 



Crustacea, but admitting intestinal vermes, earthworms, 

 and even leeches. All the descriptions and remarks of 

 his departed friend are marked with the initials F. W. 

 This work is a mass of accurate and authentic observa- 

 tion, but for want of plates has never come into popular 

 use. Linnaeus studied it much, and has often cited the 

 descriptions, the appropriation of which is, however, too 

 difficult and uncertain to render them of general or ex- 

 tensive service. Those which regard the Lepidoptera and 

 their caterpillars are most copious. 



The study of insects was probably the last that engaged 

 the attention of this great and wise man, who, though on 

 the verge of eternity, in the full possession of himself and 

 in the anticipation of the most glorious manifestations of 

 his Creator, did not disdain or neglect to contemplate 

 him in his least and lowest works. Such an example 

 might serve for an occasional answer to those who affect 

 to think the study of any of the works of God below the 

 dignity of their philosophy; for the most inordinate vanity 

 must look with respect on what formed the abstruse 

 studies of so distinguished a person as Ray. His last 

 letter to Dr. Derham, who had just been to visit him, is 

 dated August 16, 1704. He speaks of having lately ob- 

 tained Mr. Willughby's entomological papers, and de- 

 scribes himself as then entering on his 'History of Insects.' 

 How well he employed his time during the autumn is 

 evident from what we have related concerning this work, 

 for he never saw another spring. He died at Black 

 Notley, in a house of his own building, Jan. 17, 1705, 

 in the seventy- seventh year of his age. His character is 

 thus concisely given by Derham : ''In his dealings no 

 man more strictly just ; in his conversation no man more 

 humble, courteous, and affable ; towards God no man 

 more devout; and towards the poor and distressed no 

 man more compassionate and charitable, according to his 

 abilities.'' 



The friend who wrote this eulogium in his ' Life of 

 Mr. Ray,' asserts that he was buried according to his own 



