340 DCOTOR FOTHERGILL [1769. 



Almost without any assistance, but from books, he has acquired 

 the knowledge of many languages ; and the best judges allow that 

 this translation is the most faithful one of the original Scripture, 

 that ever was made in the English tongue. Let me know if there 

 is anything here, in which I can make thee proper satisfaction, and 

 I will do it cheerfully. I don't want my friends should make 

 brick without straw. 



There will be a considerable demand for American seeds to 

 various parts of Germany, and were there any in town, I know 

 they might be disposed of. I have a nephew by marriage, who 

 lives in our deceased friend P. Collinson's house, and carries on 

 the business of a mercer. If Michael Collinson does not choose 

 to engage in the business of disposing of the seeds, I know I can 

 readily prevail upon him to undertake it. He has no skill in these 

 matters ; but he would take care to render a faithful account of 

 the sales, and make due remittances. I am afraid of intrusting 

 these things to the care of the seedsmen. James Gordon, Jr., is 

 I believe, one of the best, yet one cannot be sure that they will 

 always continue to be faithful and honest. If Michael Collln- 

 son will be kind enough to undertake the affair, no person is more 

 proper. I will see him as soon as I can, and endeavour to prevail 

 upon him. Should he decline it, and no other person seem more 

 suitable, send thy boxes to James Freeman, mercer, in Gracious 

 Street ; and any instructions thou thinks proper to me, and I will 

 take care they shall be duly executed. 



I am pleased that thy son William is engaged in describing 

 the Tortoises of your country. America seems to abound with 

 this species of animal, more than any other country. As the in- 

 habitants increase, these, as well as the native plants, will be 

 thinned ; and it is, therefore, of some consequence to begin their 

 history as soon as possible. 



I would not limit him, either in respect to time or expense. He 

 may send me his drawings, and accounts of their history, as he 

 finishes them ; and I will pay his demands to his order. * 



I shall expect the Colocasia, when convenient to send it, and 

 shall do my best to preserve it. I doubt not but my friend, B. 

 Franklin, has executed his commission. However, I hope to see 

 him, shortly, and shall endeavour to inform myself of what is done, 

 and acquaint thee with it. 



The present gardener at Kew is, from general account, a very 



