others, under their real and imaginary wrongs. He laid aside his own labour to assist others, and he devoted much time to the supervision and publication of a work which was left incomplete, by a deceased friend, so as to provide for the family. Gesner’s life is a very good proof that where there is a will there is a way, and that poverty does not impede the path of a thoroughly industrious and earnest man. The poor skinner’s son’s name is respected at the present day, and will be so, as long as science lasts. The interesting life of Ray has already been given amongst those of the heroes of botany; he was, however, a zoologist of the first class, and his devotion to that part of natural history was part of his great friendship for Mr. Willughby. This promising young man studied under Ray, at Cambridge, and whilst the master took plants under his care and study, the pupil began to work at animals. They made a tour together, visiting France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Low Countries. Ichthyology, or the study of fishes, and ornithology, or the study of birds, occupied the attention of Willughby. Having collected a vast number of specimens and observations, they returned to England, and Willughby immediately commenced working with a view to the publication of a great work on the animal kingdom. He even contemplated a visit to America; but health failed, and he died in the prime of life, on July 3rd, 1672. The education of his two infant sons was confided to Mr. Ray, who was one of his executors. Willughby thought his works too imperfect for publication, but Ray felt otherwise, and urged it upon him for three reasons: first, the glory of God; secondly, the assistance of others in the same studies; thirdly, the honour of his native land. Upon these grounds he gave his consent, and Ray became their editor. A book on birds, “The Ornithologia,” was the result, and it contains a large amount of original observation, and is a full and exact description of the habits and maladies of birds, and the best means of domesticating them. Excellent anatomical descriptions are added. Subsequently, a book on the fishes of the Mediterranean appeared.