292 PETER COLLINSON [1767. 



it grows in Canada, but they never could tell where. I always 

 believed it a southern tree, yet it endures all our winters. How 

 could my dear John forget to send me some nuts, one at least ? It 

 would have helpt to guess what it is. My tree shoots strongly. I 

 think its pinnated leaves are something akin to the Angelica tree. 



The Wild Lime \Nyssa candicans, Mx.] is a singular plant. 

 Dr. Solaxder wishes for its fructifications. At that season the 

 flowers could not be expected ; but probably the fruit lay under 

 the trees, and yet none sent is a disappointment ; because the 

 like opportunity may not offer again. Some of these nuts should 

 have been carefully sent to the King, for the Kew Garden, where 

 are all conveniences for raising and protection. 



It is well known the New England people brought over Bees, 

 and they may have spread to the Blue Mountains ; but they never 

 could have reached to the wilds of Florida ; and it is well known 

 the Spaniards have no curiosity, and but little industry. I take 

 the Florida Bees to be Aborigines. * * * 



* * I was a long time in hopes of the Fdba Fgyptiaca, but now 

 I doubt. The nuts have been kept constantly in water, and are 

 yet very fresh, but they do not germinate. I was in hopes the 

 colour was like the Chinese, of a fine red shade. If Billy comes, 

 I wish a drawing could be made, as there is no drying the flower 

 so as to give any good idea of it, being so rare a plant. Suppose 

 a drawing of the Fdba was made, and sent to the King, of the 

 leaf, flower, and seed-vessel, in a picturesque figure as growing in 

 the water ; but it must be on a contracted scale, for no sized paper 

 will take in the leaves, &c. 



I have Billy's seven charming drawings before me, have been 

 just now pasting them on paper to secure them. * * 



^ if. ^ -if. # if. if. 



I have read thy Journal once over, and am beginning again, 

 to make my remarks as I go along, and shall communicate as 

 opportunity offers. 



So, my dear John, wishing thee health, which I am much con- 

 cerned to hear is so precarious. Cupping used to relieve much my 

 brother, for dizziness in his head. Doctor Fothergill is gone 

 out of town for two months. However, I shall write to him for 

 advice. Am, in the interim, thy sincere friend, in perfect health, 



P. Collinson. 



