136 PETER COLLINSON [1740. 



The Caleeolus, in the last cargo, proves at last a fine red one 

 a very curious flower, indeed. M. Catesby has painted it. 



Amongst the last things, there is a very pretty Lychnis, with 

 pale blue flowers, and sweet smell; but a many of the lumps of 

 mould don't yet appear. I wish the beasts of rats han't killed 

 them. The little box, by Seymour, han't fared much better ; for 

 they made a nest in that. * 



London, July 22d, 1740. 



Dear Friend : 



I had the pleasure of thine, of April 29th, 1740. Thy experi- 

 ment of the usefulness of the Farina, is very curious and enter- 

 taining.* Where plants of a class are growing near together, they 

 will mix and produce a mingled species. An instance we have in 

 our gardens, raised by the late Thomas Fairciiild, who had a 

 plant from seed, that was compounded of the Carnation and Sweet 

 William. It has the leaves of the first, and its flowers double like 

 the Carnation the size of a Pink, but in clusters like the Sweet 

 William. It is named a Mule, per analogy to the mule pro- 

 duced from the Horse and Ass. 



Writing on these matters, brings to mind the Papaw an In- 

 dian fruit, which in our stoves is produced in great plenty. On 

 this tree, is very remarkably distinct, male, female, and herma- 

 phrodite blossoms, which are very extraordinary to see : but whe- 

 ther the last is an assistant in generation, or is a sport in nature, 

 is not yet agreed. 



Thy journey to the mountains must be very . delightful, and 

 affords a double gratification, to please both thyself and friends. 



It is something particular, in your Yew's taking root as it trails 

 on the ground. I never observed ours to do so. * * * 



Of all the American people I ever talked with about your Mul- 

 berries (which we have in our gardens), that one of ours, for large- 

 ness and flavour, is worth a many of yours : but how it happens 

 that Doctor Kearsley thinks the contrary, I can't say. 



* * * * # 



Doctor Witt's hollow-leafed Lavender, is, no doubt, the Side- 



* This, doubtless, refers to the experiments by Joiin Baktram on the Lychnis 

 dioica, in corroboration of those upon Indian Corn, then recently made by James 

 Logan. 



