1756.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 9Q3 



London, February 10, 1756. 



Mr dear Friend John's 



Next letter is May 17th, -which I answered July 8th. * * 

 ***** 



It is true ; I have been in the hot bath ; and just over the 

 spring, it is really as hot as one well can bear it. But what is 

 that to some hot springs, in other parts of the world, that the 

 natives boil their eggs, and dress their victuals, with the hot water? 

 It would be exceeding my time, and the extent of this paper, to 

 retail the various opinions about this wonderful operation. So, my 

 dear John, content thyself. This is one of the many things that's 

 concealed from us. 



I before hinted my opinion with relation to Billy. He is now 

 come to years of understanding ; and therefore it is time for him 

 to consider how he must live in the world, and give up his darling 

 amusements, in some degree, that he may attain a knowledge in 

 some art, or business, by which he may, with care and industry, 

 support himself in life : and as printing is an ingenious art, draw- 

 ing and engraving may with advantage be applied to it. I would 

 fain have thee embrace our kind friend B. Franklin's obliging 

 offer : but, unless Billy w r ill determine to settle close, and apply 

 himself, it will never answer the good purpose intended. 



In case of a war, I approve thy plan of directing all to Mr, 

 Buffon's, at the Royal Garden, Paris; and then, underneath, 

 direct for me. Then I should have it, one time or other. But our 

 affairs are so surprisingly situated, that none knows, yet, whether 

 it will be war or peace. We continue taking the French ships, 

 but they take none of ours. So reconcile this piece of French 

 policy, if thou can, and foretell its consequences. * * 



I thought thine and our friend Clayton's observations so mate- 

 rial, on Dr. Alston's system, that I put them in the Gentleman's 

 Magazine. * * * * 



My dear John, what shall I say to the Great Vale, but admire 

 thy account of it, and think how happy will those in future times 

 be whose lot it is to cultivate so rich and fertile a tract ? * * 



Thy observation on the Birches, and other trees, is peculiarly 



