1735.] TOJOHNBARTRAM. 67 



a few seeds, but they are fine sorts the large Jacea, or Blazing 

 Star [Liatris spicata, Wittd.~\, and two sorts of seeds of Mar- 

 tagons, and Clmopodium, a fine plant. 



I have got a box of chestnuts, in sand, and some Spanish nuts, 

 and some of our Katherine peach-stones. It is the last (and a 

 large) peach that ripens with us in October, but will sooner with 

 you. It is a hard, sound, well-flavoured peach none better, and 

 clings to the stone. In the little box that the insects came in, 

 are some seeds. The China Aster is the noblest and finest plant 

 thee ever saw, of that tribe. It was sent per the Jesuits from 

 China to France ; from thence to us : it is an annual. Sow it in 

 rich mould, immediately, and when it has half a dozen leaves, 

 transplant in the borders. It makes a glorious autumn flower. 

 There is white and purple in the seeds. 



The Lebanon cone, with a knife carefully pick out the seeds ; 

 sow in a box, but large holes in the bottom, and cover with shells, 

 in sandy light mould. Let it only have the morning sun. 



I sent two parcels of the Aster, for fear, by sowing late, it 

 should not ripen seed. I have sent the Doctor some. 



I am, my dear friend, with hearty acknowledgments for all thy 

 pains and trouble, and thy many favours, 



In haste, thine sincerely, 



P. Collinson. 



The Spanish chestnuts, &c, come in a little box, in sand, com- 

 mitted to the care of Israel Pemberton. 



We have been largely supplied with Chinquapins from Virginia, 

 but I design thee shall have the credit and profit of them, for our 

 noble friend knows nothing but that they come from thee. I can 

 easily be supplied from that country ; so give thyself no further 

 trouble about them, for I know they grow not near you to the per- 

 fection they do in that country. 



But one thing, dear John, I must request of thee. Our curious 

 botanists are sadly perplexed about the difference between the Red 

 and White Cedars.* Pray be so kind to gather three or four 

 specimens of each sort, of the size of the paper, branches with their 

 leaves ; and when dried, send by first opportunity, the size and 

 height of each sort, and their uses, and a few berries of each sort 



* The red Cedar is Juniperus Virginiana, L., and the white Cedar is Cupressus 

 thyoides, L. 



