196 JOHN BARTRAM TO [1754. 



not gone half way through with it. There are many great omis- 

 sions, and errors, I suppose for want of opportunity to examine 

 the subjects himself; and doubtless there are also neglects, by 

 being concerned in other business, which diverted him from taking 

 so much notice of the minute particulars, as he might otherwise 

 have clone : yet, notwithstanding these deficiencies, there are many 

 curious observations, and certain truths, contained in it. 



I am much pleased with Dr. Parsons' Analogy. I look upon 

 it to be an introduction to a very extensive field of observations. I 

 should be glad to correspond with him ; and if he lives near thee, 

 or comes to thy house, I wish thee would show him my description 

 of our forest trees : but don't hinder thy own affairs about them. 



I have just now received thy letter of May the 2d, 1754. I am 

 glad of your remarks on my deficiencies, which I hope you will 

 favourably excuse, and consider that my descriptions were done, 

 and specimens placed, in the greatest hurry ; most of them by 

 candlelight, or First days, being hurried in travelling, and gather- 

 ing, drying and sorting seeds, or labour about my farm. * 



November 3, 1754. 



Dear Peter : 



I received thytind letter of July the 30th. Good grammar 

 and good spelling, may please those that are more taken with a 

 fine superficial flourish than real truth ; but my chief aim was to 

 inform my readers of the true, real, distinguishing characters of 

 each genus, and where, and how, each species differed from one 

 another, of the same genus : and if you find that my descriptions 

 are not agreeable with the specimens, pray let me know where the 

 disagreement is, and send my descriptions back again that I may 

 correct them, or if they prove deficient, that I may add farther 

 observations ; for I have no copy, and you have the original. So, 

 by all means, send my descriptions back again by the first oppor- 

 tunity; for I have forgot what I wrote. 



The microscope I like very well : it is prettily adapted to the 

 observation of plants. * * * * 



* * * The great Water Turtle of New England, I 



take to be our great Mud Turtle, which is much hunted for, to 

 feast our gentry withal ; and is reckoned to be as delicious a mor- 

 sel as those brought from the Summer Islands. * They 



