202 PETER COLLINSON [1756. 



* I am pleased to hear thy daughter is like to be 



disposed of to thy mind. Poor Moses has been tumbling and toss- 

 ing about the world. Inclosed is his letter from Gibraltar. Indeed, 

 by what we can learn, the whole globe has been shaken terribly in 

 some places, as I find it has reached your continent, also, which 

 thou takes no notice of; so I presume could not be very remark- 

 able. The terrible lot of Lisbon, being totally ruined, and other 

 places, too long even to touch upon, thou'll see in the Magazines, 

 or your public newspapers. * * * * 



Billy's drawing and painting of the Tupelo, 

 is fine, and is deservedly admired by every one. There is a delight- 

 ful natural freedom through the whole, and no minute particular 

 omitted the insects on the leaves, &c. It's a pity he had not kept 

 it, to add the flowers ; and to have dissected a flower showing the 

 style, and stamina, &c, each part distinct by itself, after Lin- 

 N^EUs's method, which seems to be the prevailing taste. 



Our friend Colden's daughter has, in a scientific manner, sent 

 over several sheets of plants, very curiously anatomized after his 

 method. I believe she is the first lady that has attempted any- 

 thing of this nature. They are to be sent to Dr. Gronovius ; and 

 he, poor man ! I believe is in a bad state of health ; for I cannot 

 get a line from him (who used to be very punctual), if he has re- 

 ceived Billy's fine drawings of Oaks, and thy system. Though I 

 have writ several letters, I shall this day send another. * 



* * I am really concerned there are no acorns. I am afraid 

 we shall be outdone by that Alexander. I must not print thy 

 list, this year, for that reason. 



By the common Laurel, does thou mean the small Magnolia? 

 If thou does, thou should say so ; for the name Magnolia will sell 

 a box of seeds. If this is wanting, we shall be undone. 



By all means make Billy a printer. It is a pretty, ingenious 

 employ. Never let him reproach thee, and say, " Father, if thou 

 had put me to some business by which I might get my bread, I 

 should have by my industry lived in life as well as other people." 

 Let the fault be his, not thine, if he does not. 



So for this time, dear John, farewell. 



P. Collinsost. 



