MEMOIR OF RAY. 
59 
insects, which he had been recommending Dr Der- 
ham to pursue) ; and, besides, I am so lame, and al- 
most continually afflicted with pain, that I cannot 
attend any study, being diverted by pain. *Tis true, 
of late years I have diverted myself by searching 
out the various species of insects to be found here- 
abouts ; but I have confined myself chiefly to two 
or three sorts, viz. Papilios diurnal and nocturnal, 
Beetles, Bees, and Spiders. Of the first of these 
I have found about 300 kinds, and there are still 
remaining many more undiscovered by me, and all 
within the compass of a few miles. I have now 
given over my inquisition, by reason of my dis- 
ability to prosecute, and my approaching end, 
which I pray God fit me for. You that have more 
time before you may profitably bestow some of your 
spare hours upon such enquiries, and may probably 
make useful discoveries, at least may reap a great 
deal of pleasure and satisfaction in finding out and 
bringing to light some of the works of God not 
before taken notice of.” But before his increasing 
infirmities obliged him to abandon this study — the 
last that occupied the attention of his active mind — 
he had prepared pretty copious materials for a his- 
tory of insects, which was published after his death by 
Dr Derham, at the expense of the Royal Society. 
It comprises all Willughby’s descriptions in addi- 
tion to his own, and forms a small quarto of 398 
pages, including an appendix on British Beetles by 
Dr Lister. The descriptions are frequently of con- 
