188 PETER COLLINSON [1753. 



means for his advancement ; whereas, if he is from time to time 

 changing his masters, and his ships, he will be lost amongst the 

 vulgar. At first, it might be well enough to go abroad and see the 

 world ; but when his curiosity has been sufficiently gratified, a set- 

 tled employ is to be preferred. He will inform how he employed 

 his time here. He was not idle. 



*f* *t^ *j 5JC 3JC 5)C 



I have often with thankfulness observed, how good Providence has 

 checked the devouring caterpillars, by a course of natural causes, 

 and preserved a balance of his creatures, in the creation. Each 

 species has its natural check, which arises from accidents we can- 

 not foresee, or prevent. 



If it raises thy wonder, to see how the caterpillar lies in the egg, 

 what will it do, if thou was to see the Oak existing in the acorn ? 



I am glad the snakes did not come. There is a sort of natural 

 aversion in human nature against this creature. 



But any of the species of turtle, or terrapins, would be innocent, 

 and pretty, in my garden; and are easily sent in the fall, in a box 

 of leaves, &c, when they have done eating. 



Poor Moses is sadly concerned about paying his passage ; and 

 yet there is no remedy. It may be of service to him, in future 

 life, to take care and make a sure bargain, and not trust to any 

 man's promises ; but have it under their handwriting. Now, 

 friend John, farewell ; and remember that I am thy friend, 



P. Collinson. 



Moses can give thee an account of my plants and garden. 



January 11th, 1753. 



I have only just time now to thank my good friend J. Bartram 

 for his three kind letters. The seven boxes are come safe, and all 

 the others. But Dr. Mitchell is displeased that he has no letter, 

 neither the seeds which he says he gave thee orders for. 



Pray thank Moses for his letter; and pray look out, this year, 

 for land Terrapins, for my son is very desirous of them. * 



Doctor Kearsley is very much mistaken, to take 

 the Mechoacan for the True Scammony ; for I have seen it grow- 

 ing several times, raised from true seed, sent from Aleppo. I will 

 not deny but it may be a species, as they are both Convolvuluses. 



