1759.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 217 



We have had, hitherto, one of the mildest winters that can pos- 

 sibly happen in this country all January, south winds, warm and 

 mild only two frosty days : and now, this 25th February, the 

 Itea, Sweet Bay, Dogwood, &c, have as green leaves on them, as 

 in summer. * * * * 



We were sadly disappointed, being in hopes of seeing some 

 grafts of the true Newtown Pippin ; but there was none. Pray 

 remember, another year ; for what comes from you are delicious 

 fruit if our sun will ripen them to such perfection. Our friend 

 Benjamin had a fine parcel of the apples came over, this year, 

 in which I shared. 



I received Billy's letter. I am pleased to see him improved in 

 his writing. I wish I could say as much in his spelling, which 

 will be easily attained with application. I send him a book to 

 assist him. 



I wish it could be any way contrived for him to give us a draught 

 of your great Mud Turtle. Our friend Edwards wants to see it. 

 I thought I had lost that thou sent me ; but last year, I saw it 

 several times on the water, but there is no catching it : and then I 

 would wish to have a larger painted. 



* * * * 



We are of various opinions about Swallows. Some assert that 

 they take their winter abode under water ; others say they resort 

 in great numbers into caves or caverns, and sleep all winter. But 

 the prevailing opinion is, that when food grows scarce, they retire 

 to other countries, to the southward, and return in our spring. 

 Many want to know if your Swallows are the same as ours. We 

 agree on the number of the four species. So, if it can be conve- 

 niently done, send a cock and hen of those that can be caught. I 

 have writ in my former letters, but by thy answers I know some 

 have miscarried these precarious times. 



I have lately been reading Hennepin's Travels who first dis- 

 covered the great River Mississippi. He often mentions they 

 were sustained by killing goats. Now, I don't remember ever 

 reading of any in the country about the lakes, nor with you. They 

 must be aborigines, because met with in countries very remote, and 

 where no Europeans had been before. 



The present situation of our public affairs makes it very difficult 

 how to advise laying out money. Our stocks fall every day. I 



