1767.1 T0 J0HN bartram. 287 



for I foresaw, by his way of going on, how it must end ; for I 

 knew his salary could by no means support his expensive way of 

 living. 



Mill Hill, April 10, 1767. 



I wrote my old friend largely of February 10th, so have not a 

 great deal to add ; but, lest that should miscarry, this will inform 

 thee all the boxes came safe and in good order. That for Doctor 

 Hope, I forwarded to Edinburgh. * * 



Think, my dear John, by length of time your country produc- 

 tions are most, if not all naturalized in our gardens ; but some few 

 delicate things will be always acceptable, as thyme-leaved Kalmia. 



I have a sweet plant thy son John sent me last year, which 

 thrives finely and flowered as beautiful, and is now set thick with 

 flower-buds. * * * 



The plants and seeds for the King were carefully delivered, and 

 no doubt but were acceptable. The honour of giving is sufficient ; 

 but there is no notice taken of the freight and other charges ; so I 

 believe must be carried to thy account ; but then, consider, thy 

 salary is regularly paid. * * Our friend Ellis thanks thee for 

 his present of seeds. 



Johnny sent me what thou calls a Deciduous Bay, which thrives 

 well ; but pray, tell me how it comes by that name. 



The Sarracenia promises well. I was pleased to see it come, 

 for the rogues stole our fine old plants. * 



Doctor Fothergill tells me he has ordered some roots of Colo- 

 casia to be dragged up for him, and sent over in a cask of water 

 [See his letters to Humphry Marshall]; so I hope, by one way or 

 another, we shall see this beautiful plant. But I have had no 

 description of the flower from any one that has seen it. I want 

 much a particular description, but much more a drawing from 

 Billy's inimitable pencil. But if he is with you, I am afraid he 

 is under such dejection from his late disappointments, that he has 

 not spirits to undertake such a business. 



I have often thought what a pity it is that his ingenuity could 

 not be of service to him. I have, for years past, been looking out 

 for him, but no opening has offered. The difficulties to introduce 

 an entire stranger, are insurmountable ; for whilst he is attempting 

 to make himself known, he may be starving, which has been the 



