228 PETER COLLINSON [1761. 



New York packet is more safe and convenient, I write by that, as 

 Alexander Colden, the postmaster, is my particular friend. 



Pray, what is the Double Wild Crocus? I thought you had 

 none of this species in your country. If thou canst not send a 

 root send a specimen of it, that I may see this marvellous fine 

 thing. * * * 



The Ivy, Laurel, or Broad-leaved Kahnia, is now in flower. Cer- 

 tainly it is one of the finest evergreen shrubs that is in the world. 

 The stamina are elegantly disposed in the angles of the flowers ; 

 and what a pretty blush, its bullated flower-buds ! But, in a few 

 days will the glorious Mountain Laurel, or great Chanuerhodo- 

 dendron, appear with its charming clusters of flowers. Prithee, 

 friend John, look out sharp for some more of these two fine plants ; 

 for one can never have too many. 



* * * * 



I have a sprig (in flower) of the Kalmia in water, and it stares 

 me in the face all the while I am writing ; saying, or seeming to 

 say, " As you are so fond of me, tell my friend, John Bartram, 

 who sent me, to send more to keep me company ; for they will 

 be sure to be well nursed and well treated." 



# * * * 



There has been much talk of a peace ; and we have a French- 

 man here, that is said to come about it, and yet it seems a great 

 way off. What millions of men are slaughtered to gratify the 

 wicked, cruel ambition of princes ! 0, dear John, I am much 

 affected to see and hear the annual sacrifice of our brave country- 

 men. But the necessity of our affairs was such, from French per- 

 fidy and treachery, that it was not to be avoided. May the God 

 of peace send peace again on the earth, is the earnest prayer of 

 thy friend, 



P. Collinson. 



JOHN BARTRAM TO P. COLLINSON. 



July the 19th, 1761. 



Dear Peter: 



* * * I now send my Journal to Carolina, and some speci- 

 mens which my friend Dr. Chancellor hath promised to deliver 

 safe to thy hands. The specimens are, most of them, from the 



