300 PETER COLLINSON [1768. 



fine a climate ; but I thought it too far to come from New England. 

 As the Indians have no name for a Bee, that is a plain proof they 



were foreigners. 



*i *!* *K 5^ 



Thy annuity is regularly paid. I am, my dear friend, thine 

 whilst I am 



P. Collinson. 



Mill Hill, July 6, 1768. 



This day I was delighted with the sight of my dear John's 

 letter of the 15th of May. 



The two prospects of St. Augustine give me and my son great 

 satisfaction ; for now thy accurate descriptions are perfectly in- 

 telligible. It is conveniently situate for trade, and a safe harbour, 

 if the bar could admit vessels of greater burden. The island 

 must have a pretty effect from the town. I am much obliged for 

 Billy's assistance in drawing the plan. 



The Duchess of Portland dined here, this day. She is a great 

 virtuoso, in shells and all marine productions. I took the oppor- 

 tunity to show her Billy's drawings. She admired them as they 

 deserve. She desires to bestow twenty guineas on his per- 

 formances, for a trial. She would wish to have the Faba Egypti- 

 aca drawn of the size of that he sent ; and drawings of all Land, 

 River, and your Sea Shells, from the very least to the greatest. 



* * * I have further views for Billy if I can bring them to 

 bear. 



Thou hast told me a very pleasing story of your Mocking-Bird ; 

 which I have often seen and heard sing, and some of my lady 

 friends have kept them seven, eight, and ten years ; but require 

 to be delicately and nicely fed every day, with fresh provisions. 

 Yet his song, they thought, amply rewarded them for their pains 

 and care about them. * * * 



From thy real friend, 



P. Collinson. 



PETER COLLINSON TO WILLIAM BARTRAM. 



Mill Hill, July 18, 1768. 

 This morning, Doctor Fothergill came and breakfasted here. 

 As I am always thoughtful how to make Billy's ingenuity turn 



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