1761.] T0 JOHN BARTRAM. 229 



seed I gathered from the South Mountains of Virginia, most of 

 which came up last year, the rest this spring. They grow pro- 

 digiously. So do my North and South Carolina plants. * 

 This extraordinary success with our American plants, hath set me 

 all in a flame to go to Pittsburg, and down the Ohio, as far as I 

 can get a safe escort. I design to set out the beginning of Sep- 

 tember. 



I have now a glorious appearance of Carnations from thy seed 

 the brightest colours that ever eyes beheld. Now, what with 

 thine, Dr. Witt's and others, I can challenge any garden in 

 America for variety. Poor old man ! he was lately in my garden, 

 but could not distinguish a leaf from a flower. 



* * * My son William is safely arrived at Cape Fear, and 

 met with a kind reception from Governor Dobbs, and his uncle. 



PETER COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



London, August 1, 1761. 



My dear John 



Is always in the same strain, grumbling and complaining 

 makes no allowance for accidents, although I have often ad- 

 monished so to do. I writ him a long letter soon after I received 

 the Tortoise Shells, with my observations on them. But right or 

 wrong, he upbraids me with not doing it in two years. This fre- 

 quent censorious temper is not becoming our friendship. The very 

 same positive assertion goes on (" No list or letter with the plants 

 from Gordon") ; whereas, I inclosed Gordon's list, and advice 

 of the plants. 



But if letters miscarry, as both these certainly did, is it friendly 

 to censure us so severely with neglect ? Pray, let me never more 

 find occasion to remonstrate on this head, for it is disagreeable to 

 me, and much more to read what thou writes, after Gordon had 

 taken so much pains, and sent two such valuable cargoes, to find 

 no thankfulness, no acknowledgments : for who can help long 

 passages and accidents at sea ? I saw the plants growing in the 

 box and basket, in the finest order imaginable. Well, Gordon is 

 so good-natured, he forgives all thy complaints, and will try 

 another cargo this fall. 



As times are so perilous, pray don't send thy Journal until a 



