98 PETER COLLINSON [1737. 



them, as far as lie could guess, without smelting ; which at my 

 leisure shall communicate. 



* * * Dear John, I shall only now acknowledge the 

 receipt of thine by Captain Headman. It contains many curious 

 remarks and observations in nature, and very pertinently and well 

 expressed ; needs no apology for thy natural way of expressing 

 thyself; is more acceptable, clear and intelligible than a fine set 

 of words and phrases. I take it very kind at thy hands. The 

 variety of matter it contains, affords a great pleasure to thy loving 



friend, 



P. COLLINSON. 



Our friend Captain Richmond often talks of thee, and of a fine 

 Ivy, or Bay, that grows on a bank going down to the river. Pray 

 send me a good specimen or two, in full flower. 



London, August 12, 1737. 



Dear Friend John : 



I am now to thank thee for thine, by Lindsay, which contains 

 many curious things that deserve my notice and particular re- 

 marks ; but at this time of year I am so unsettled between the 

 town and country, that I have not really time to consider thy last 

 two curious letters. For this reason, don't think I slight them, 

 because I am for the present silent about them. I assure thee, 

 thou canst not do me a greater pleasure than to entertain me with 

 any history of nature. But this I must tell thee, as a friend : I 

 am afraid thou takes up too much of thy time to oblige me. I am 

 so much thy friend, that I entreat thee not to let any of thy affairs 

 suffer on my account. 



Indeed, when thou art collecting, thou art paid for it. I hope 

 this year will prove kindly, that we may have a collection of Oaks. 

 Send but a few of the White Oak, and Swamp Spanish Oak. I 

 believe most thou sent are come up, and thrive finely. We have a 

 great quantity of the Cherry up : it is a fine plant. Red Cedar 

 comes up very strong ; but I don't yet see the Sassafras. Tulip 

 Poplar in great abundance. This, with most other of your country 

 seeds, will some come up the first but more the second year. 

 Send no more Tulip Poplar. Some of your Swamp Laurel, or Bay 

 [Magnolia glauca, L.], is come up, and thrives well ; but we want 



