1766.] T0 JOHN BARTRAM. 277 



with repetition of complaints, but return home as soon as thou can, 

 and sit down and gather strength, and receive thy income. 



It is very fortunate to have so good an opportunity to go to the 

 Congress at Picolata. 



Your work for the Duke of Cumberland is fruitless, for the 

 British hero is no more. 



The odd scene that an old Spanish town must make to an 

 Englishman, must afford him entertainment, to see the different 

 modes of the two nations, in their buildings, &c, and I apprehend the 

 rural prospects must be fine, and afford a variety of rare plants, &c. 



In this happy climate, turn where one will, new beauties rise. 

 Little did I think some months agone, nature's virgin charms were 

 reserved to be rifled by an enterprising Bartram ; but pray, take 

 care that we are not deprived of these precious spoils. The loss of 

 the last hangs heavily on the mind of thy old friend, 



P. Collixsox. 



Pray, remember me to Billy. I am much concerned for the 

 disasters that befel him. 



March 27th. My dear Jonx, I have good news to tell thee. 

 The box that thou intended by Captain Arbuckle, is safe arrived 

 by Captain Ball, at Dover ; advised of it by a very civil letter 

 from Mr. Graham, inclosing the captain's receipt for it. 



P. COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM, Jr. 



London, May 5th, 1766. 



I had the satisfaction of my kind friend John Bartram's, Jr., 

 letter, March 1st ; and Captain Sparks was so very obliging to 

 bring me the box of fossils, which contains many curious articles, 

 which, I am sensible, there must be some trouble in getting toge- 

 ther. But one cannot tell what judgment to form from these rude 

 masses, because every stratum varies, as there may be many on the 

 side of the cliff. So no conclusions can be drawn, but on the spot. 

 Those fossils that contain shells, are most acceptable to me, as 

 something that's probable may be drawn from them. * * In 

 fossil wood it is wonderful to see how the lapidescent juices 

 have entered into all the pores of the wood, &c. I have some 

 large pieces of Hickory, two or three feet long, so very com- 



