Letters Ray, 329 
I am now entering upon an Hi- 
ftory of Infects, for which you would 
have been a far fitter Perfon, having, 
what I want, your Senfes intire, 
your Strength firm, your Underftand- 
ing and Memory perfed. The main 
Reafori which induces me to undertake 
it, is, becaufe I have Mr. Wtllughby % 
Hiflory and Papers in my Hands, 
who had fpent a great deal of Time, 
and beflowed much Pains, upon this 
Subjed, when there were few that 
minded, or were diligent and curious 
in it, though now there be many, 
and it is Pity his Pains fbould be loft. 
I know not whether I told you, 
that I defigned, in every Tribe, firft 
to put our EngHp Species by them- 
felves, and then the Exotick by 
themfelves. I defire you to afford 
me your Help in carrying on this 
Hiftory, and enrich it with fome of 
your 
