236 PETER COLLINSON [1762. 



consider the number of our snips taken, and their rich cargoes, the 

 men useless, and the vast produce of that island kept from us, so 

 all things put together (for this is a short sketch), I don't find 

 any cause to lament his abdication. We go on full as well without 

 him. So prithee, my dear John, revive and don't sink, and be 

 lost in doleful dumps under so terrible an event, which portends no 

 harm that I can see ; for we have a brave King, and good men at 

 the helm. Never fear ; we shall keep Canada, and have a good 

 peace ; and Pitt is as well pleased with his mercenary pension of 

 3000 per annum, and a title in reversion ; and has cleverly 

 slipped his neck out of the collar, when it most became him to 

 keep in, to serve his country, but he preferred serving himself be- 

 fore it. 



From one melancholy story we come to another ; the loss of so 

 many fine plants, which affects me more than the loss of Pitt. 



It is a fair probation, how far the principles of vegetation may 

 be maintained when removed from a warmer latitude to a colder. 

 Art will assist nature. There are many fine plants that grow on 

 this side the Tropics, if we will bestow a south wall on them, will 

 thrive and flower well in our northern climate. 



5jC 5|S 5fC 5fC 



I cannot advise, for I am fearful thy grand expedition to the 

 Lakes will be too much to undertake without suitable companions, 

 for accidents may happen in so long a journey. But if it was thy 

 resolution, my advice will come too late. 



So, my dear John, farewell. 



P. COLLLNSON. 



Doctor Solander wrote by a Swedish parson, on the last speci- 

 mens. * * * 



It may be twenty years agone since I gave the White Broom to 

 our friend Lamboll, which was sent me from Portugal. 



Doctor Gronovius has sent thee a present of a new edition of 

 his Flora Virginica, which I have got bound, and given our 

 friend Franklin to convey to thy hands with two other tracts. 



London, June 11, 1762. 

 Notwithstanding I have wrote so lately by Doctor Shippen, 



