286 PETER COLLINSON [1767. 



PETER COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



London, February 10th, 1767. 



On the 4th February, I received my friend John's letters of 

 December 6th and 10th, which came very seasonable to relieve all 

 our fears : for the seeds, the people were impatient, and, indeed, I 

 was very uneasy for thy welfare, under such terrible disorders. It 

 gives me comfort to find thou art perfectly restored ; as I know 

 the value of health, and partake of it in a degree beyond most 

 men ; therefore, I feel the more for my friends who are deprived 

 of that blessing of blessings. 



I am glad thou hast sent some plants and seeds to our gracious 

 King, as thy annuity is regularly paid. I dare say any of thy 

 Journals would be very acceptable to him ; could they be copied 

 fair ? Send him every year one ; for he must not be cloyed by 

 too much at once. Begin with the first after thou received the 

 salary. This would keep thee in his memory. 



I presume, Doctor Hope, Professor of Botany, hath wrote to 

 thee of the boxes being detained at Chester, and had them not 

 until this winter, by which he thinks the seeds are spoiled. * * 



I am glad the Colocasia is put in water. Now there is hope of 

 success in my ponds. I long for a good painting of the flower ; 

 but am much concerned for William's unsteady conduct. Nothing 

 but marrying will settle him. With a prudent, discreet woman, 

 he may return to Florida, and amend his conduct. * * 



I had rather all the plants had been left than the Agave, which 

 I have longed to see all my life ; writ to Clayton and others, but 

 never could get it ; did not think it grew so far to the northward, 

 as with you. Pray, send a good specimen of it in full flower. 

 Pray, what is the seed-vessel ? * 



It is late, so, my dear John, adieu. 



P. COLLINSON. 



I believe there is too much truth in what the Captain says about 

 Young. He may live to repent his folly and extravagance. Such 

 an opportunity lost is never to be regained, unless he has better 

 fortune than he deserves. As a friend, I advised him often to 

 economy and industry, and not sacrifice everything to his pleasures; 



