1743.] ALEXANDER CATCOT. 325 



which I did last fall ; for which, I hear he hath sent me his two 

 books of the History of Jamaica, which I expect every day. 



We have great variety of Martagons. I have sent my friend 

 Collixson many, which flowered finely in his garden. Thee may 

 expect a curious collection of them, and other fine flowers, from 

 me by the first opportunity. 



Merchant Willing expresses a mighty respect for thee, and 

 saith he will do anything in assisting me to oblige thee. 



What plant Plukexet names a Cyclamen, that is a native of 

 our colony, I can't imagine.* Indeed, we have several plants 

 whose leaves somewhat resemble it, but they belong to other 

 tribes ; and I saw a plant near the mountains of Virginia, whose 

 leaves had the appearance of a Cyclamen, in the shape and marks 

 of its leaves, but really was a species of the Asarum. If I knew 

 how Plukexet described his Cyclamen, I could judge better ; but 

 I could never yet have the happiness to read any of that valuable 

 author's books, though much desired. I believe there is not one 

 of them in our parts. Our Americans have very little taste for 

 these amusements. I can't find one that will bear the fatigue to 

 accompany me in my peregrinations. Therefore, consequently, 

 thee may suppose I am often exposed to solitary and difficult 

 travelling, beyond our inhabitants, and often under dangerous 

 circumstances, in passing over rivers, climbing over mountains and 

 precipices, amongst the rattlesnakes, and often obliged to follow 

 the track, or path, of wild beasts for my guide through these deso- 

 late and gloomy thickets. * * 



November 24, 1743. 



Respected Friend Catcot : 



I received thy kind present of three books. Grew and Bradley 



* The Editor is indebted to Ms friend, Daniel B. Smith, for the subjoined 

 note : 



"The plant here spoken of, as Cyclamen, is no doubt the Dodecatkeon Headia, 

 L. Of John Babteam's finding this plant, I have heard Thomas Stewaedson re- 

 late the following story. A person visiting the Baeteam Garden, noticed the 

 Cyclamen, and told J. B. he had seen such a plant in a certain place, which he 

 described, and which was then far in the wilderness. Some months after, J. B. 

 met him in the street, and said, 'Well, I have got the plant.' Not recollecting 

 the circumstance, he asked, ' What plant ?' J. B. reminded him of the conversa- 

 tion at his Garden, and told him he had travelled on foot to the place he described, 

 and obtained the plant ! This letter accounts for the great interest he took in it, 

 as confirming the accuracy of Plckenet." 



