214 PETER COLLINSON [1757. 



It is now the 10th of February, and no seeds are yet arrived. 

 * * * * 



If you knew our distress for wheat, we should have your mer- 

 chants run all risks, the profit is so great, and insurance, with 

 you, on the prime cost, would be inconsiderable. Wheat is now, 

 and has been for some time, from eight shillings to 8s. 6d. a 

 bushel, sterling. This makes it very hard for the poor ; and if it 

 should please God that the present crop on the ground should by 

 accidents prove bad, a famine must ensue, unless relieved by you. 

 * * * Thou seest we are not without our calamities, no more 

 than you. So, dear Jonx, let's be resigned. Trust in Providence ; 

 and hope and do all we can for the best. 



I am thy real friend, 



P. COLLINSON. 



London, March 18, 1757. 



Dear John : 



I was glad at my heart that the ship is come, that brings the 

 seeds. Where she delivered her letters, I cannot say ; but hope 

 she will come safe into our river. There is a fine cargo of seeds, 

 &c, indeed. * * * 



I am extremely pleased with thy account of the migration of 

 birds. I shall add each to its bird, in Catesby's History ; which 

 will help much to their natural history. By friend Carmalt comes, 

 with other parcels, a large brown paper bundle from P. Miller. 

 I presume that may prove the books thou wants ; and there is more 

 of Hill's Herbal. I know some were taken, on the Lydia. 



Such accidents will happen, these perilous times. I think there 



are three Kew York ships taken. 



* % ^ ^ 



My friend Edwards has a fifth book published. When com- 

 plete and delivered, I think he intends to send it to Billy. I have 

 sent him a fine drawing-book, which I hope will come safe, for I 

 know it will please him. 



I have just scrawled this, as it will be long before any other 

 goes. 



So, dear Johx, farewell. 



P. COLLINSON. 



