260 PETER COLLINSON [1764. 



ment, and is like the hare-finders with us. Some can't discover 

 them if close under their feet ; others see them at a great distance. 



Indeed, my dear John, I must congratulate thee on that happy 

 discovery of my favourite Meadia. It is really remarkable none 

 should be found since. 



I hear nothing more of that proposal thou mentions ; but if there 

 was any real intention of carrying it into execution, no one pro- 

 perer than thyself for Natural History and Botany. 



That the Indians would be alarmed at our sounding or measur- 



ing 5 I don't wonder they should be jealous of the invasion of their 



property. Every man is tenacious of his native rights, and if you 

 invade their rights, you must take the consequences. 



Let those be well banged I may say, well hanged that by 

 their unjust proceedings provoked the Indians to hostilities, know- 

 ing, beforehand, their cruel resentments. 



I am greatly pleased the long-expected Horse Chestnut has 

 gratified thee with its beautiful flowers. I think it exceeds a Hya- 

 cinth. But to see a pyramid fifty feet high, and every extreme 

 bud a blossom, is beyond thy imagination, but is one of the finest 

 sights in the world. But pray tell me if your curious people have 

 not had these fine trees long before, in your province. Is none at 

 your proprietor's ? 



I perceive what thou calls the Double Sweet Daffodil, we call the 

 Sweet White Narcissus. That, indeed, may be common, but yet, 

 how could I know it ? Remove and part the roots, every other 

 year, and they will blow strong and fine ; but let them grow in 

 great numbers together, the roots are weakened, and rarely bring 

 their flowers to perfection. 



It has been thy patience to wait, but my pleasure to hear of the 

 delicious pear, raised from Lady Petre's seed ; but she, dear good 

 woman, is gone to rest. 



What I am persuaded will prevent its dropping its fruit, if some 

 quinces were planted in the lower part of thy garden, near the 

 spring, and graft them with the pear it meliorates the fruit. By 

 long experience, all our pears are grafted on quince stocks, and 

 succeed better than on pear stocks with us. 



* * John, thou needest not be glad the <100 bill is 



paid, for I am not running away. Any bill thou draws will be 

 always paid. If there is any gladness in the case, it is I that am 

 to be glad to do it* * * 



