1767.] T0 JOHxV BAR TRAM. 291 



But its seed-vessel is very like what we have from the East Indies, 

 by the name of the Annum stellatum. 



Thy sincere friend, 



P. COLLINSON. 



PETER COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



Mill Hill, July 31st, 1767. 



My dear John hath at last gratified my longing wishes with 

 the sight and perusal of his laborious, entertaining Journal, full of 

 fine discoveries, useful reflections, and pertinent observations. 



I can take a squib from John Bartram, without the least 

 resentment. Friends may be allowed to rally one another, when 

 it is not done in anger, or sharp resentment, which I never in- 

 tended, however my words may be taken. 



If I can be thought too quick, my dear John, thou wast too slow, 

 and so we will let the matter go. 



The King's specimens came safe, and are delivered ; and that's 

 all I ever know about them. I am much obliged for those directed 

 to me ; there are many new, curious plants among them. If I have 

 time, I will give thee Dr. Solander's observations on them, who 

 is a very acute botanist, little inferior to Linnjeus ; and not only 

 in Botany, but in all branches of Natural History. Think how 

 happy I am, at this present writing, to have the two Doctors, 

 Franklin and Solander, my guests for a few days, to enjoy the 

 delights of Mill Hill. * * * * 



The Agave I have long known, but never imagined it was to 

 be found so far northeast as with you, was the reason I never 

 mentioned it ; and what I wonder, thou hast never sent me a 

 specimen of so singular and so rare a plant, in all thy collections. 



The Spigelia is a pretty plant, and a curious flower. I have 

 three roots, by the generosity of our common friend Lamboll. It 

 is just now going to flower. I had it many years agone, but, in 

 dividing the root, lost it ; as I once did the evergreen Veratrum, 

 and Skunk Weed ; so I shall never try the experiment again. 



*r^ *S 3p 5jc ;*; 



I dare say the Gruilandina will be the Bonduc, that I and others 

 have in our gardens. I conclude some Indian traders brought the 

 nuts to Quebec, from thence to France, and so the French believe 



