1746.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 323 



Whip Will's widow, by which names it is called (as the bird 

 clinketh, the fool thinketh). I have omitted to describe it, and 

 therefore should be glad of it. I believe it is a kind of cuckoo. 



Your House Swallow is different from ours, and singular in its 

 tail, and nest, which is artfully made with small sticks, and 

 cemented together with a kind of glue. The bird with the nest, 

 would be acceptable. 



With what I now send of my book, you have all the American 

 small birds that I have figured, except seven or eight, by which 

 you may guess what other birds your country affords. But such 

 observations may be too troublesome, without a strong inclination. 

 New animals of any kind are always acceptable. Birds are best 

 preserved (if not too large) by drying them gradually in an oven : 

 and when sent, cover them in tobacco dust. There is no other way 

 in preserving fish, and reptiles, than in spirits or rum, which 

 method will also do for birds. 



I present you now, the second and third parts of my book, in 

 retaliation of your kindness. 



* * * I am, Mr. Bartram, with all sincerity, 



Your obliged friend and servant, 



M. Catesby. 



Dear Friend : 



I own myself your debtor, not from design or inclination, but I 

 have really been discouraged by my ill fortune, of losing not only 

 what I sent to America, but also the two last years' cargoes you 

 intended me ; which loss the deprivation of time doubles. Yet, 

 nevertheless, your kind intentions equally oblige me as if attended 

 with success, and require a retaliation which I shall endeavour, the 

 first opportunity, to acquit myself of. In the mean time, accept of 

 this book of birds. 



As Mr. Collinson gives me the pleasure of reading your enter- 

 taining letters, I find you have sent me a plant of your Anona, 

 some seeds of your tall Magnolia, &c, for which I heartily thank 

 you. 



In a letter to you, in April, 1744, I have mentioned in general 

 what will be acceptable ; which I mention, because I don't reniem- 







