1768.] T0 WILLIAM BART RAM. 301 



to some advantage, I bethought of showing the Doctor his last 

 elegant performances. He deservedly admired them, and thinks 

 so fine a pencil is worthy of encouragement ; and Billy may 

 value himself on having such a patron, who is eminent for his 

 generosity, and his noble spirit to promote every branch in Natural 

 History. He desires Billy would employ some of his time in 

 drawing all the Land, River, and Sea Shells, from the very small- 

 est to the largest ; when very small, eight or six in a half sheet, 

 as they grow larger, six or four, then two or one, without any 

 shade, which oftentimes confounds the shape of the shell. Note 

 the place where found, and add if anything peculiar to them 

 besides. 



He is not in haste, and desires nothing may be done in a hurry. 

 When two or three shells are done, send them when there is con- 

 venient opportunity. 



I further proposed to him, as you have such a variety of Water 

 and Land Terrapins, or Turtles, that Billy would take a fit op- 

 portunity to draw them all, good, full-grown subjects, as may for 

 size, be contained in a half sheet of paper ; and if there is any dif- 

 ference between male and female, to give both ; and also be sure 

 to give the under and upper shells, and all from live subjects ; 

 and give their Natural History, as far as can be collected. I 

 doubt not but thy father, &c. will assist thee. As these animals, 

 of a proper size and growth, are to be met with casually, so it will 

 be a work of time. So send now and then one or two, as it hap- 

 pens. And in time, lay out to procure good subjects of those 

 three new species, found in West Florida, the Soft Shell, Shovel 

 Nose, &c, and that other species of Soft Shell, found in the River 

 Ohio. 



Set all thy wits and ingenuity to work, to gratify so deserving a 

 patron. 



A few weeks agone, I gave my friend Billy orders to send a 

 drawing of the Faba Egyptiaca, like that sent me ; and as many 

 Land, River, and Sea Shells, as he can aiford for twenty guineas, 

 for the Duchess of Portland. Don't crowd the shells ; a few in a 

 sheet shows better ; and be sure no shade. This she does by way 

 of specimen. If she likes thy performance, she will give orders to 

 keep drawing on, until all the shells are drawn. Send all to me, 

 rolled on a roller, and put in a little box, for fear of getting wet. 



I am thy sincere friend, 



P. Collinson. 



