1786-7.1 TO JOHN BARTRAM. 85 



London, Feb. 3d, 1736-7. 



Dear Friend Johx Bartram : 



I am vastly obliged to thee for thy many kind favours, which I 

 shall answer in course. But if it is irregular, I can't help taking 

 notice of thine of the 18th November, in which thee thinks I have 

 neglected to take notice of thy favour by young Israel Pemeer- 

 tox, which thee certainly must misapprehend, or else my two 

 letters (in answer to that), per Captain Cox, August 16th, and per 

 Captain Greex, are not come to hand, for I keep a regular account 

 of letters, and by whom answered, so can't mistake. Thee should 

 not suspect thy friend, but suspend thy resentment till thee art 

 certainly informed how things happened. Thee may assure thy- 

 self, thee shall not fail of suitable and grateful returns from me. 

 Perhaps I may be slow, but I am sure. 



The box of seeds by Israel, came safe, and was very acceptable 

 to thy noble friend. The terrapins which I designed for him had 

 bad luck. Some died, others the sailors stole : but Israel made 

 all the amends he could, and gave me one that he had. He is a 

 very ingenious, kind, good-natured lad. 



I was pleased to hear the few things proved worth your accept- 

 ance. I hope this year to send thee something as a reward for 

 thy trouble, which is more than I can imagine ; but thee may feli- 

 citate thyself that the pains thee has taken is not for those who are 

 insensible of it, and who will make suitable returns, though not 

 equal to thy deserts. 



Thee writes for scions of pears. If my good friend Johx 

 White's collection came safe, he has the best we have in England. 

 No doubt, for my sake, he will oblige thee with some scions. 



I never heard it was insects that annoyed your Plums, Apricots, 

 and Nectarines. If they are at the root, water that has tobacco 

 leaves soaked in it will kill them, by making a basin round the 

 tree, and watering it frequently with this water. 



I am amazed to hear that the frost, in your latitude, kills the 

 vines in the winter. You must use the German method. Dig a 

 trench, or hole close to your vine, and therein lay the young shoots, 

 and then cover them with earth, which protects them from the 

 frosts, and when they are over, take them up again and prune 

 them. Pray how fares it with your wild, country vines ? I am 

 strongly of opinion they will be best to make a vineyard, because 

 they are habituated to your seasons : but then it will much depend 

 on the skill of the person that chooses the vines to propagate. 



