14 6 PETER COLLINSON [1741. 



variety of contrivances in his gardens, to produce all fruits and 

 plants in the greatest perfection. 



So, dear John, farewell, 



P. Collinson. 



I have collected a parcel of mostly Nectarine stones, being a 

 fruit most wanted with you. Perhaps they may thrive best on 

 their own stocks. The Plum stones are mostly Green Gage, 

 which is the best Plum that grows. I apprehend they will all come 

 up the first year ; though I am told some will not till the second. 



London, Sept. 16th, 1741. 



Friend John : 



There came up amongst the new sort of Poplar seed, sent in last 

 cargo, a pretty many plants that were formerly in our gardens, 

 called the Jesuit's Bark Tree. It's a pithy plant, like Elder ; but 

 the leaves are longer, and of a deep green. Dost thou know any- 

 thing of it? \Iva fruteseens, L.?]. 



Pray send some Ginseng seed ; but roots will be better. I had 

 great expectation I had this rare plant, but don't find it proves so. 

 The young leaves of the Prenanthes, or Doctor Witt's Snake- 

 root, I took for it. 



These are stones of the Katherine Peach ; which is the best late 

 peach we have. 



I have sent some Horse Chestnuts, which are ripe earlier than 

 usual : hope they will come fit for planting. 



Thine, 



P. Collinson. 



I am glad I can send you Doctor Gronovius's List of your 

 plants, collected anno 1740. 



Some Observations on Specimens, 1741. 



No. 1. Sweet Fern. This seems to me a shrub ; but whether Ever- 

 green or no, can't tell. \Comptonia asplenifolia, Ait.]. 

 Should be glad of a root or two. 



No. 15. Pray send me one or two growing plants of the Ginseng, 

 for I mightily want it. Every one expects I have it. 



