no 
MEMOIR OF 
The treatise on ornithology itself would have 
had a much more philosophical aspect had it been 
published, as it may be certainly inferred the 
author would have chosen, without those unsightly 
discourses, and which give the book an unfortu- 
nate aspect to a modern reader, as too much 
resembling the old treatises on Natural History, 
which, with some valuable portions, are in general 
an accumulation of rubbish. Mr Ray has, how- 
ever, taken upon himself the responsibility of 
adding the three discourses. In a letter from Dr 
Lister to Mr Ray, at Coleshill, in Warwickshire, 
dated February 8, 1675, he says, referring to the 
ornithology, — “ I am very glad you say so much 
concerning the English edition, which you tell me 
you mean to augment. If I might advise you, 
in the history of hawks, it would be very accept- 
able to have their managery and training, which 
I find is done with much skill and faithfulness in 
a certain late piece called ‘ The Gentleman’s 
Recreation,’ printed in — 74, where is the best 
account of hawks and hawking that I ever met 
with.” 
“ Again, in the history of small birds, some 
account of the keeping and ordering of them in 
cages would please, which also is very well done, 
in a little book, entituled, “ The Epitome of the 
Art of Industry,” where you will find a large and 
very accurate tract of singing birds, both done by 
experienced and judicious persons in that way.” 
In another letter from Mr Ray to Dr Lister, 
dated June 14, — 76, he says, “I have resolved 
