i 208a7 
Monsieur Thouin’s Letter, sent with a Box of Seeds. 
The following translation of aletter from Professor Thouin 
is published in acknowledgment of his highly beneficial civi- 
lities. Nothing can promote mutual benefits to distant coun- 
tries, more than such interchanges. We entertain a hope, that, 
not only the members of the society, but other citizens, will en- 
able us to reciprocate such favourable attentions. These seeds 
and all others so received, have been, and will be, diffused for 
general benefit: An unfortunate delay, not owing to any want 
of attention in Mons. Thouin, prevented its arrival here for a 
great length of time, after its being sent from Paris. A sense 
of the importance to our country, of such valuable additions 
to our products, should stimulate our fellow citizens abroad, 
to exertion in forwarding their transportation. 
‘“ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
Paris, 20th February, 1808. 
‘¢ Professor THouin, one of the administrators of the 
museum of natural history at Paris, and member of the 
national institute of France, has the honour to present 
this collection of seeds to the society of rural economy 
of Philadelphia. He prays them to receive it as a pledge 
of his respectful attachment, and of his desire to concur 
with them, as much as lays in his power, to increase 
the agricultural resources of a people, whose wise laws 
he admires, whose freedom he esteems, whose indepen- 
dence he regards, and whose manners he respects. 
