SIR HANS SLOANEw 
39 
But to resume the narrative. Having remained 
only fifteen months in the island, Dr Sloane re- 
embarked in the Assistance frigate, on the 16th 
March, 1689, and reached England on the 29th 
May. During the interval of his absence from 
this country, the Revolution had occurred, of 
which he appears to have received the first tidings 
within a few leagues of Plymouth. “ I was sent,” 
he relates, “ in an armed boat, to get certain 
knowledge of the situation of public affairs, and 
to give a speedy account of it to the Fleet, who 
were to stand off' of that port, till they were 
assured of their safety or danger. We had sight 
first of a boat, which was fishing some leagues 
from the land, whose master did what he could to 
fly from us ; but, coming up with him, asking 
what news, and where the king was, he asked, — 
what king we meant, for that King William was 
well at Whitehall, and King Janies in France.” 
He had attempted to bring home some living 
reptiles, but without success. The following is 
his account of the failure of his endeavours : — 
“ Though I foresaw the difficulties, yet I had an 
intention to try to bring with me from Jamaica 
some uncommon creatures alive, such as a large 
yellow snake, seven feet long ; a guana, or great 
lizard ; a crocodile, &c. ; and I had the snake tamed 
by an Indian, whom it would follow as a dog 
