274 PETER COLLINSON [1765. 



We hear with concern with what riotous mobs the public tran- 

 quillity is disturbed. I hope when our Parliament meets some 

 happy medium will be found to allay such unjustifiable proceedings 

 and prevent them for the future. 



I condole with thee on the great loss of that worthy man, 

 General Bouquet. I am sensible how it afflicts thee to be be- 

 reaved of so generous and kind a friend, especially in a country 

 where his notice and regard gave such a reputation to thy under- 

 taking. However, I hope good Providence will raise thee up some 

 other friend to assist thee. 



I have had a letter from thy son, informing me he was preparing 

 the seeds, but was fearful they would fall short to supply all my 

 orders, which will be a great disappointment to some. 



I lately saw a quire of specimens sent by Doctor Garden to 

 Doctor Russell ; amongst them are some curious new species. 

 When thine comes to hand, which I conclude I may hourly expect, 

 what high spirits will attend our friends Solander and Ellis, on 

 the survey of such rare and new productions ! 



I hope by that time this comes to hand the fine temperate 

 season will be near concluding. Be sure make a retreat in time, 

 before the great heats come on, and sit down under thy own vine, 

 and enjoy thy family, contemplating on the wonders thou hast seen, 

 and when the evenings grow long, give thy old friend a taste of 

 these dainties, who, thou knowest, will relish them as they deserve, 

 and treasure them up with the rest of thy curious and ingenious 

 observations. 



As there are few pleasures in this life but what are subject to 

 alloys and. disappointments, this I have lately experienced to my 

 no small mortification, having been again robbed of my most curious 

 plants. What I most regret was thy kind present of Loblolly 

 Bays, which throve finely ; thy sod of Orchis in full flower, and a 

 too long list to mention here. But amongst others, I regret the 

 loss of the long-leafed Sarracenia. As it is a plant of the south 

 countries where thou art, or may meet with it in thy passage home, 

 pray, contrive to get three or four plants and send me. Thou 

 knowest, packed up all over in moss, and tied up with moss round 

 each plant, is the way to send them securely. 



My last was by the Minerva, November 13, which I hope is 

 come to hand. I therein hinted our change of Ministry, so no 

 hopes of additional salary. I therein advised to retire with what 



