182 PETERCOLLINSON [1751. 



some terrapins ; for I have two gardens walled in, that I can secure 

 them from running away. They will come in the box of plants, or 

 by themselves, as thee thinks best. The proprietor's gardener sent 

 two sorts. The yellow and black I know well ; but there was a 

 black flat-shell sort, with most beautifully painted shell round the 

 edges, that is very nimble to the other. Pray, let thy lads look 

 out sharp for some for me. 



***** 



London, January 20, 1751. 



I am very much obliged to my good friend J. Bartram, for so 

 fine a collection of growing plants. If they had all come to my 

 hand, I should have troubled thee no further; but, to my great 

 loss, some prying, knowing people, looked into the cases, and out 

 of that No. 2, took the three roots of Chamserhododendron, Red 

 Honeysuckle, Laurel, root of Silver-leafed Arum, and the Spircea 

 alni folio \CUtlira alnifolia, L.]. These were the most valuable 

 part, and what I most wanted. It is very vexatious. Whether 

 taken out, on board or coming up from the ship, I can't say ; but 

 this is certain, they were gone. I wish Lord Northumberland had 

 not the same bad luck ; for, as I peeped in, I could see but very 

 little. But, as I have had no complaints, I hope it was otherwise. 



I fancy some of the sailors, having relatives gardeners, seeing 

 these plants so carefully boxed up, took them for rarities ; so were 

 tempted to steal them, to give to their friends. * 



This day, I gathered the finest nosegay, to carry to town, 

 being plenty of Violets, Crocus, Snow-drops, Polyanthos, Single 

 Anemone, double and single Stocks, and Wall-flowers, very sweet. 



I conceive the three-leafed Pines growing in a different form, is 

 entirely owing to the soil they grow in, and exposure to the sea- 

 winds. * * * * 



Did the berries of the evergreen Rhamnus, that was found in 

 the Great Plains in the Desert growing five or six inches high, 

 amongst the Dwarf Pines, come up, in thy garden? None did 

 with me. It was a very rare and curious plant. * 



Thy journal is in the press ; hope to send it by next ship. 



I am thy sincere friend, 



P. COLLINSON. 



