92 PETER COLLINSON [1736-7. 



deferred. Beside the sorts I mentioned before, that a few of 

 each would be sufficient for our two correspondents that did not 

 share in the first cargo, I have here added a list of what sorts will 

 be acceptable to the general. But this I have to observe to thee ; 

 if these seeds can be got nearer home, then there is no occasion to 

 go far for them ; for the time spent in journeying, may be spent 

 nearer, in gathering : but this we shall leave to thee ; being per- 

 suaded all thee does will be for the best. But, if thee should think 

 fit to visit the Eastern Shore, I have some particular friends there, 

 to whom I shall give thee letters, who, no doubt, will give thee 

 hospitable entertainment. 



March 20th. Thy Columbine is in flower, which is earlier than 

 any we have, by two months. It is a pretty plant, and more so 

 for its earliness. We thought we should have had but a small 

 crop of the wild cherries ; for some came up the first year, and 

 kept their leaves all winter like an evergreen ; but, to our surprise, 

 they are now coming up in abundance, as well as the Red Cedar. 

 The Sassafras does not stir yet. There are thousands of the Sweet 

 Gum ; some kept their green leaves all winter. 



Inclosed are some berries of the Butcher's Broom and Juniper, 

 which grows wild in his lordship's woods, and which he gathered 

 with his own hands, March 10th ; so must be full ripe, but will not 

 appear till the second year. Where they are sown, be sure keep 

 the bed clear from weeds. 



Pray be so kind to mention if those nests are Wasp's, Bee's 

 or Hornet's, and send me two or three of the creatures that build 

 them. They are very curious : one I gave to Sir Hans Sloane. 



His lordship was mightily pleased with thy journal, but wants to 

 know the length of the cave, and how far you went from home. 

 He very much desires some seed of that fine Laurel thee discovered 

 beyond the Blue Mountains, and some specimens of it when in 

 flower, if this can be obtained without difficulty. There is another 

 plant that we want seed and specimens of, that is the Papaw. 

 His lordship has one plant of it, but they tell us such stories of its 

 fruit, that we would be glad to see it ; which may be easily done, 

 by gathering two or three bunches of its fruit, full ripe, and 

 putting them into strong rum, in a jar or pot, and corking it up 

 close, will keep very well here. Specimens of it in flower, will be 

 acceptable. 



Pray how long does thou think is the course of the Schuylkill ? 



