1736-7.1 TOJOHNBARTRAM. 87 



an old correspondent of mine, and has sent me many a valuable, 

 curious plant. But I am afraid the old gentleman has been too 

 cunning for thee. Those fine Lady's Slippers, which make my 

 mouth water, have slipped beside it. The Doctor says he would 

 have sent them me, but that he was afraid they were spoiled in 

 bringing home, for want of proper care to wet the roots by the 

 way. 



This accident brings to my mind a very pretty method, by which 

 plants will keep fresh three or four days on a journey. Take three 

 or four largest ox bladders, cut off the neck high, and when a plant 

 is found, take it up with little earth to the roots ; put this into the 

 bladder, then put water in the bladder, to cover the roots ; then tie 

 up the neck of the bladder close round the stalk of the plant, 

 leaving the leaves, flowers, &c, without. Large plants won't do so 

 well ; but several small plants may be put in a bladder. When 

 tied, hang it to the pummel, or skirts of the saddle, or any other 

 convenient way thee may choose. If the water wastes, add more. 

 Thus plants, with little trouble, may be kept a long while fresh. 

 It is always best, if water can be had, to add it immediately at 

 taking up the plants. 



But these fine Lady's Slippers, don't let escape, for they are 

 my favourite plants. I have your yellow one, that thrives well in 

 my garden ; but I much want the other sorts. Pray show the 

 Doctor no more. But I find thee has taken the hint thyself. 

 Don't say anything I have writ, neither shall I take any notice of 

 thine. 



It is with pleasure, when we read thy excursions (and wish to 

 bear thee company) ; but then it is with concern that we reflect on 

 the fatigue thee undergoes, the great risks of thy health in heats 

 and colds ; but above all, the danger of rattlesnakes. This would 

 so curb my ardent desires to see vegetable curiosities, that I should 

 be afraid to venture in your woods, unless on horseback, and so 

 good a guide as thee art by my side. 



Thy expedition for the curious tree, in the Jerseys, truly shows 

 an indefatigable disposition in thee to oblige us here : I hope thee 

 will not fail to find some gratitude in us. The seed is exceeding 

 fresh, but such as I never saw before ; of a pleasant taste, some- 

 thing like Juniper berries. I wish thee had described the tree to 

 us ; but, what would have saved thee that pains, would have been, 

 to send us two or three specimens of the leaves, or branches, of a 

 size proper to enclose between a sheet of paper, and then to tell us 



