1740-1.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 141 



for it is very hard getting money of great people, though I give 

 them my labour and pains into the bargain. They are glad of the 

 cargo, but are apt to forget all the rest. They give good words, 

 but that will not always do ; but for thy sake, and if it will but 

 contribute to keep thee in thy circumstances, I gladly will do all, 

 and much more, if it will but be of service to thee, and encourage 

 thy ingenuity. * * * * v 



It is very entertaining to survey the great variety of Mosses that 

 there is with you, as well as with us. I have sent mine down to 

 the Doctor, who admires at thy diligence. He observes paper is 

 scanty, so has desired me to send thee half a ream of writing paper, 

 which comes in a parcel per Captain Weight, with some paper 

 for specimens. The books, Tourxefoet, are a present from Lord 

 Petre, which I hope will make thee easy. 



I sent all thou desired to Doctor Lawsox ; doubt not but thee 

 will hear from him and Catesbt. The last has a mind to figure 

 the Laurel, or Chamserhododendron, and by the fine specimens 

 thee hast sent, is pretty able to do it ; but Ave are at a loss for the 

 exact figure and shape of the flowers. Thee says it is of a pale 

 red, or blush colour ; but in thy last letter thee says they are 

 studded with green spots. Now here we are at a loss again, so if 

 thee can help us, pray do. Thee tells me that thee has a mind to 

 draw or paint it, pray try. One single flower is sufficient, and 

 some marks where the spots are ; we can easily add the rest. 

 Leaves and seed-vessels we have, and also growing plants. 



Colonel Custis and I. Randolph kindly remember thee. 



The draft of the cavern, and map of thy journal, make each very 

 conceivable and intelligible ; but pray what does Whitfield pre- 

 tend to do with the five thousand acres of land ? 



***** 



Wheat is now seven shillings per bushel, but is expected lower. 

 I am, dear John, thy sincere friend, 



P. Collinson. 



Inclosed is a seed-vessel of a plant that may deserve some obser- 

 vations. It proves to be a species of Cham^rhododendros. It was 

 sent me, with more seed and a specimen, from Russia. It abounds 

 in the woods that are found in the neighbourhood of the lake of 

 Baikal, in lat. 55, which lies in Eastern Tartary, but now in the 

 possession of Russia. Another species of this fine plant is found 



