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[fol. 2] Sr It is now about a fortnight since the Post brought me your very civill & obliging Letter, the receipt whereof I should sooner have acknowledg’d but that I awaited ye arrival of your acceptable present, wch Mr Smith sent me not will last week, deferring so long I suppose that he might send my Book & that together, wch by ye Printers fault was not sooner finished. I am too conscious of my own weaknesse to own what you write of me, yet look upon it as an effect of your kindness & good will: it being a common fault in friends to permit their affection too much to influence & biasse their judgement. I am sorry that I had not leaisure & opportunity when I was in London curiously to view your rare Collection of Plants. I know I should have received much information & satisfaction thereby. I hope you persist in your resolution of making your discoveries & Observations publick, for your own honour, & the advancem’t of Reall Philsophy, & that you move forwards vigorosuly in it. I am sensible that ye charge of Figures may deterre you, therefore I think it were adviseable to imitate Dr Plukenet, to draw y’em in piccolo using a small scale, & thrust many species into a Plate. I would not have ye ingenious deferred ye fruition of such a treasure, the sight of so gratefull objects nor you the credit of your inventions. I hope you have received the little Tract, wch I ordered Mr Smith to present you with a Copy of. If you some down into the Countrey this Summer, I hope you will doe use ye kindnesse to give use a visit at Black Notley: My wife (who tenders her humble service to you) as well as my self would be so very glad to see you heer. shes with due thanks for your many favours & great kindness is all at present from Sr, Your affectionate friend & humble Servant John Ray Black Notley June 8. 81.
Read more- Letter 3927