140 PETER COLLINSON [1740-1. 



theirs are botanic gardens, all sorts are greatly acceptable to them. 

 I love all fine, showy, specious plants. 



I am extremely obliged to thee for the chrysalises. It is won- 

 derful, as thee observes, to see the surprising instinct and contri- 

 vance of the creature, to preserve itself from being lost and trodden 

 under foot, by the strong web, that both secures it and the stalk of 

 the leaf to the twig. * * * 



The shell thee sent is very curious. I shall remember thee for 

 it. The petrifactions are as extraordinary : shall at proper time 

 further consider them. But pray what distance is the mountain 

 from the sea ? 



The cavern thee was so hardy to ramble through every creek 

 and corner is a strange phenomenon in nature ; and what can be 

 the original cause and intention, or real use of these cavities in the 

 earth, is best known to the Great Architect of them. We know of 

 little else, than to raise our admiration. They have, indeed, some- 

 times served for a retreat and place of hiding, but they are not 

 habitable ; though some creature thought fit to use one of its isles 

 for its magazine. 



This puts me in mind to ask thee a question, if thee ever met 

 with a harmless land animal, about the size of the large gray Fox- 

 Squirrel, called a Monach. It has a long brown fur, and seems to 

 have much of the squirrel and rat in its composition. It has lived 

 several years, running about house like a cat, eats green roots and 

 fruits ; was sent me from Maryland, where it is also called One of 

 the Seven Sleepers, for it buries itself in the #ellar in September 

 or October, as the season happens warmer or colder, and comes out 

 again in March or April. I never met with any one mention this 

 creature but Lawsox, in his History of Carolina.* 



But now I come to take notice of the main article, and tell thee 

 that I have procured twenty pounds, ten shillings, in halfpence, 

 which I have put up in a strong cask. Thy name is writ on the 

 head at length, and I have ordered D. Barclay to put up two 

 pieces cloth in I. Pemberton, Jr.'s goods for thee. * * * 



I could not omit sending thee the above-mentioned <20. 10s. by 

 Captain Wright, who is a most obliging man, and he knows thee, 

 and perhaps may give the carriage, though I shall not receive the 

 money this twelvemonth, nay, I have now some standing two years ; 



f The reference here, is to the Marmot, or Maryland Woodchuck ; called 

 Ground-hog in Pennsylvania (Arctomys Monax, Harlan). 



