76 PETER COLLINSON [1736. 



I have sent the paper, so pray continue thy specimens of all 



rare plants. 



One of the plants that is not named, that bears spikes of white 

 flowers, and the leaves set on the joints like a star, four at a 

 joint, i s called Veronica, or Speedwell [doubtless V. Virgi- 



nica, L.] 



If thee can procure some terrapins for Lord Petre, put them 

 in a box of earth, and nail cross-bars on the top ; and if thee 

 knows what they feed on, put in some food. I know they eat 

 apples, cut in slices. 



London, June 1, 1736. 



Dear Friend John Bartram : 



Captain Richmond being a friend of thine, could not let him sail 

 without a line, though I have nothing to add to my former, but to 

 inquire after thy welfare. For fear my formers, of March 12th 

 and 20th, and April 21st, should any miscarry, I will now repeat 

 what I then told thee, that I have twenty guineas subscribed to 

 encourage thy expedition : so I hope thou wilt proceed. 



A great many of thy seeds are come up ; but I am afraid the 

 Tulip Tree cones was not well perfected, for none is yet come up. 

 I indeed opened several, and found them imperfect, as well as the 

 Sugar Tree. Must in particular desire thee to recruit these two 

 sorts, next year. I am afraid the acorns will also fail : so pray 

 send a collection of all sorts, especially the narrow-leafed Oaks. 

 The seeds of the Jersey Tree are come up. By present appearance, 

 it seems to be a Lotus, or Nettle-leaved Tree, which grows com- 

 mon in Italy, and Naples, and other parts of Europe. Per my 

 next, I may give a more particular account of it. 



The wetness of the mould, in the box of plants, rotted several 

 things. I have but one Martagon, and I am afraid it is not the 

 marsh one. Not one Lily. Pray be so kind to recruit thee with 

 some of the fine large Slippers thou showed Doctor Witt ; and 

 pray send some more of that pretty plant thou calls the Rock 

 Blood-wort. It was rotted by over Avet. I take it to be a Oistus, 

 by its flower. Devil's Bit, or Blazing Star, lost. If the pretty 

 Sedum grows near thee, I would be glad of one trial more. All 

 the white and red Shrub Honeysuckle failed. This is a ticklish 

 plant. One of the Laurel stands. 



