1738-9.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 125 



London, February 1, 1738-9. 



Dear Friend : 



I forgot in my former, to give thee some account of the success 

 of the turtle eggs. Unlucky for thee and for me, the captain set 

 the hox in the forecastle of the ship, where it was cold and wet ; 

 and notwithstanding thy care in pitching part of it, some water got 

 to it, and the earth being cold, chilled the eggs ; and I am afraid 

 the box was tumbled up and down, which might bruise the eggs ; 

 and I think the eggs were put in too large a quantity of heavy 

 earth. I carried them in the mould, and set them in a warm bake- 

 house, where they bake constantly every day ; but yet not one 

 came to good. Now, before, they were packed in light dry mould, 

 in a smaller box and less earth, and set under the cabin, which is 

 a very close, warm place, and by that genial heat, which pene- 

 trated easily through the earth, supplied the place of the sun, and 

 carried them on to maturity. 



But though our success was indifferent in one, the good state 

 of the plants that came in the mould, made ample amends. I take 

 them very kindly at thy hands. I shall soon expect their appear- 

 ance. I have little to wish, but for Dens Qanis with the yellow 

 flower. I hope those thou sent, will flower this year ; though I 

 suspect it, for I think they are not strong enough. 



The box of insects came in perfect good order are extremely 

 fine, and a great variety, and nicely cured and displayed. I desire 

 thy acceptance of a piece of Sagathy, in acknowledgment for them. 



It was very lucky to find the chrysalis of that noble fine Moth. 



T* *1* 5|C JJC JjC 5JC 5|S ?(* Jj JjC 



I am much in a hurry ; so cannot but add, I am thy real friend, 



P. Collinson. 



I dare not look into thy letters, for I know there are many 

 things that require my notice ; but I can't yet do it. 



I sent some Ginseng roots to China. If they sell well, a good 

 profitable trade may be carried on. In the mean time, sow the 

 seed, and raise a stock to furnish my friend, when he returns. I 

 intend the benefit for thyself. Keep that a secret, and raise what 

 thee canst; for I have an opinion it will turn to account, if my friend 

 manages it rightly. 



