230 PETER COLLIN SON [1761. 



peace, which we are in hopes of ; for though I long to see it, it 

 would grieve me to the heart to hear of its being taken, as I do 

 for the cargo of plants. And then, again, I consolate myself to 

 think how many have escaped this war. Indeed, my good friend, 

 thou hast much reason to be thankful, since all thy cargoes 

 of seeds have come safe. The loss of thy box of plants for my 

 near neighbour, Ponthieu, was the more bearable, as they had so 

 fine a cargo of Alexander. The great Chamaerhododendron 

 and Kalmia Laurel were the largest and finest I ever saw, and so 

 fresh, I can't imagine where he gets them. * * But there are 

 great complaints of Alexander's seeds. Thine bear the bell : but 

 his do well enough for the Scots. 



Thou sees, my dear John, how necessary it is to persevere, and 

 mind no complaints ; for if I had, thou hadst never had the Mea- 

 dow Sweet, and Polyanthos, which I have been sending at times 

 off and on for thirty years past. How often has Doctor Witt up- 

 braided me (for he was an everlasting grumbler), that the seeds 

 were musty and bad ; sometimes came too soon, then too late, so 

 that I believe little or none was raised ; and yet thou finds I hit 

 the lucky time at last. Make much of it, for I dare say none in 

 your province can show the like. * * Really, friend John, 

 complain on. I am now so used to that, I shall not mind it for 

 the future. * * But, as thou canst write diverting and curious 

 observations, in this manner I expect to be entertained for the 

 future ; which will always give pleasure to thy old friend, 



P. Collinson. 



I am greatly concerned to hear of thy dangerous fall. Reflect 

 on thy many narrow escapes, and be thankful it was no worse. 

 But let me advise thee to be very careful for the future. 



I plainly see thou knowest how to fascinate the longing widow, 

 by so close a correspondence.* When the women enter into these 



* This refers to a passage in John Bartram's letter of May 22, 1761, where 

 he is speaking of some fine species of Carolina Holly ; " which," says he, " I hope 

 to have by the favour of an elderly widow lady [Mrs. Martha Logan, of 

 Charleston], who spares no pains nor cost to oblige me. Her garden is her 

 delight. I was with her about five minutes, in much company, yet we contracted 

 such a mutual correspondence, that one silk bag hath passed and repassed full of 

 seeds three times since last fall. I desired her last March to send me some 

 seeds of the Horse Sugar or Yellow Leaf. She directly sent me a box with three 

 fine growing plants, mixed with several other sorts that she thought would 



