130 PETER COLLINSON [1739. 



be destroyed by these nasty creatures, and the neglect of the 

 captain. 



But for the future, I must desire thee to put the living things 

 in a less case, which takes up so much room that, unless it is a 

 laro-e ship, there is not room for it : for all the sods of plants might 

 have been packed in half the room, which would save a great deal 

 of freight, for thee knows the earth about them is only intended 

 to keep them moist till they come here, and then they are soon 

 transplanted ; so that the sods may be thrust as close as possible 

 to one another. Two inches of earth below, and covered two 

 inches, may be sufficient to convey them hither. Be sure make 

 the bottom full of large holes ; and rather make two small cases, 

 which are more manageable, and more convenient to be stowed, 

 than such a large one as the last, which I believe weighed two or 

 three hundred-weight, and as much as two men could carry. 



I have very carefully planted all I could find of the roots, and 

 please myself with hopes ; for I have had a many pretty plants 

 come out of the earth, beside those intended. 



The White Lychnis I most regret; but pray don't part with it 

 till thee has made sufficient increase. The Cluster Cherries thee 

 formerly sent us, are grown fine plants ; but what is admirable, 

 they hold their leaves all winter, that P. Miller takes them for 

 an evergreen, and so do several of your shrubs. 



The Mountain Laurels seem to bud strong this, year; the Goose- 

 berry and both the Shrub Honeysuckles grow finely, and most of 

 that cargo, also the White Cedar, and sundry others ; which 

 gives me great entertainment. 



The Sjjircea, with spikes of white flowers, holds its leaves all win- 

 ter is a pretty plant; and an Opulus, as it seems to be, grows 

 strongly, and out of the mould is come your Hepatiea; but what is 

 surprising, your Herb Twopence [Lysimachia ?~\ scarcely shoots 

 two new leaves a year, and I have tried it various w;i . 



Most of the Ferns thee formerly sent me, grow finely. I have 

 hopes of these in the sods. I shall conclude, with observing what 

 seeds will be acceptable next spring ; and am truly thine, 



P. COLLINSON. 



Doctor Dillentus, to whom I referred the naming of the two 

 quires, has not been well, which thee may perceive per the short- 



