which were wanted in the works of thefe old matters. 
Thus, for inftance, Mathioli and Ferrante Imperato 
defcribe only the Alcyonia of Diofcorides. The 
more modern Italian naturalitts have made as little 
progrefs in this fubjedt, from the influence of the 
opinion eftablifhed amongft them by Micheli and 
Marfigli ; for, if we except Donati, fcarce any of 
the reft have embraced the prefent received fyftem 
about the origin of Zoophytes, though the difco- 
veries of .the French academifts, added to thofe of 
Ellis, Pallas, and other ingenious writers, feem to 
have put this matter beyond a doubt. But it is time 
to relieve you from this lubjeit, and to fubfcribe 
myfelf, with great regard, 
Dear Sir, 
Your moft obedient 
humble fervant, 
Cavendifh-Square, 
Nov. 1 6th, 1769. 
