270 PETER COLLINSON [1765. 



All I can at present do, is, our good friend Ellis, who is ap- 

 pointed to an office in the Floridas, has writ to the Governors in 

 thy favour. I send one here inclosed, and will send the other by 

 next ship. * So thou must make the best of it, 



and do what seems most agreeable to thy own inclination. Thou 

 may think the appointment not enough. I did not expect any- 

 thing. So thou may use it, or refuse it, as thou likes best, or 

 search as far as the salary will go to support it. In this case, I 

 cannot advise thee. 



As thou grows in years, thou will do well to consider if thy 

 present constitution and habit of body can undergo the fatigue of 

 such expeditions. * * * 



As the Colocasia seed falls into the water, and finds nourishment 

 and protection, until it shoots forth in the spring, so if the seeds 

 had been put immediately in a bottle of water, there would have 

 been a probability of their growing. I put them, as soon as they 

 came to hand, in water and mud, but none makes an offer to 

 shoot. Pray tell me, what colour is the flower ? 



I have not seen Young for some time. I conclude he is prose- 

 cuting his botanic studies. 



I sent the fine seed-vessel of Faba Egyptifica to the Queen, but 

 heard nothing more of it. 



What were the methods observed by the Indians to procure fire, 

 before the Europeans came amongst them ? 



If Billy goes the expedition, he may take slight 

 sketches of such odd things, and finish afterwards. A single flower 

 coloured, is sufficient to carry the idea. * What is 



become of the Bull Grape ? what is its colour, and is it short jointed? 



I am thine sincerely, 



P. COLLINSON. 



I lament the loss of my oldest correspondent, Doctor Witt. 

 What was his age ? [90 years. See Mr. Watson's Letter, p. 86.] 



Our good friend B. Franklin, grows fat and jolly. There is 

 hope of accommodation. * * 



London, 19th September, 1765. 



It was highly acceptable to me to hear of my dear John's safe 

 arrival in Carolina, and to find his botanic genius began to exert 



