1765.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 271 



itself in new discoveries. I wish thou may temper thy zeal with 

 prudence, but I do not think it an instance of it, when thou and 

 Mrs. Lamboll rambled in the intense heat of a midday sun. 

 Perhaps it was to procure thee a seasoning. 



A horse is a necessary article for a King's botanist. But dost 

 thou know who thou art to thank for that title ? Between our- 

 selves, an old friend, who knew thou deserved it; but under what 

 character the King is pleased to rank thee, I do not know. Only 

 this I know, he allows thee =50 per annum. Forty pounds [for a 

 horse] sink deep [into the fifty], if it was sterling ; but I presume 

 that may be about ten pounds sterling. I should think horses 

 cheaper where they breed wild, and are had for catching. How- 

 ever, when thou hast done with him, the horse will be worth some- 

 thing. 



Keep an exact account of all thy expenses. I know thy economy 

 and moderation. But Avant for nothing that nature requires, if it 

 is to be had. 



I wish thou may get thy son William to go with thee, who is a 

 very ingenious young man, and I believe has a general knowledge 

 in natural things, and will be very assistant in procuring them. 



We have such revolutions at court, and so unsettled, I have not 

 delivered thy specimens, until more settled times, to take due care 

 and notice of them. 



Thy brother's making so free with the King is ridiculous, and 

 giving me a great deal of trouble at the custom-house, and himself 

 to the expense of 6s. 6d., which I have charged to thy account, or 

 else I must dispose of the ores to pay it. You don't know the 

 difficulty, trouble, and attendance, to get things to the King. 

 Though I undertook it for thee, I shall not for anybody else. 



We have had a long, hot, dry summer. Fahrenheit's ther- 

 mometer, in my parlour, was often at 95 ; and in the open air, in 

 the shade, at 84 and 85. I have had little comfort this summer, 

 for I cannot endure hot weather. * * 



Doctor Solander is a strange, idle man. I cannot get thy 

 spring specimens from him, is the reason thou hears nothing from 

 me, about them. 



It is wonderful to see the fertility of your country, in Phlox and 

 Viburnums. There are many things in the King's specimens that 

 set me a longing, which I hinted to thy son John, of this date. 



Thine of May 29th and June 16th I answered, directed to 



