1738.] T0 JOHN BARTRAM. 117 



and No. 2 may deserve thy notice ; for I find their building, and 

 increase, is unknown to thee. 



If another insect, with those surprising long hairs, or horns, 

 happens in thy way, pray secure it ; for it is very extraordinary in 

 its kind. The beautiful Sea Fly is a great beauty could its wings 

 be displayed. Pray never go without a box, and pins, in thy 

 pocket. The insect with what thee esteems a long horn, is no 

 other than a proboscis, which he uses to suck out the sweets of 

 flowers ; for he has two small horns on each side. 



I am glad thee met with such civil treatment in thy expedition 

 through the Eastern Shore ; and that thee found such variety of 

 plants. 



I am sorry thee missed some plants that thee observed. I wish 

 thee had collected specimens of that Periploca, and that other 

 with horned poppy leaves, and the Hypericon, and the Long-leafed 

 Large-cone Pine, and a different Swamp Oak. Pray never fail get- 

 ting specimens, if thee canst not get plants, or seeds. Provide two 

 flat boards the size of the paper thee intends for the specimens : 

 between these, put thy paper, and specimens in it, and tie them 

 fast. Thus, these may be carried any ways, as it suits thy con- 

 venience ; and with safety, too. 



I can't conceive what your Black Thorn is : pray send a spe- 

 cimen. We have but one sort, which is the one that bears sloes; 

 and but one sort of White Thorn. But I am surprised at their 

 size, with you. I question if ever I saw one above the size of the 

 small of a common-sized leg ; and that but rare ; for they are so 

 useful in making fences, that they are rarely suffered to grow of 

 any size. 



The Great Laurel, or Chamaerhododendron plants, promise 

 well; which gives me great joy. I am extremely obliged to thee 

 for them : and am, with love and respect, 



Thy assured friend, 



P. COLLINSON. 



London, May 2, 1738. 



Deae Friend: 



I have sent thee, in a little jar, some of our Dens Canis. There 

 are white and red flowers. This is in return for those with 



