346 DOCTOR FOTHERGILL [1772. 



assistance, in collecting the plants of Florida, if thou would suggest 

 what terms might be agreeable. That no time, however, may be 

 lost, should this come to thy hands, at Charleston, I shall desire 

 Dr. Chalmers to confer with thee on this subject, and to render 

 thee such assistance as may be immediately wanted. 



The drawings I could wish to have pretty correct ; and shall be 

 willing to make due acknowledgment for them. 



As I imagine thou art well acquainted with the method of pack- 

 ing up plants and seeds, I shall say not much on this head. All 

 bulbous roots are easily managed. Let them be taken up when 

 the flower fades ; dry them a little in the shade, put them in a 

 box, either wrapped up in papers, or in dry sand, and they will 

 come very safe. * * * * 



I am not so far a systematic botanist, as to wish to have in 

 my garden all the grasses, or other less observable, humble plants, 

 that nature produces. The useful, the beautiful, the singular, or 

 the fragrant, are to us the most material. Yet despise not the 

 meanest. Land, river, or sea shells, would also be acceptable ; 

 or correct drawings of them, where the originals cannot easily be 

 procured. 



Mind thy studies in drawing. Thy hand is a good one ; and by 

 attention and care may become excellent. 



But in the midst of all these attentions, forget not the one thing 

 needful. In studying nature, forget not its Author. Study to be 

 grateful to that hand which has endowed thee with a capacity to 

 distinguish thyself as an artist. Avoid useless or improper com- 

 pany. Be much alone, and learn to trust in the help and protec- 

 tion of Him who has formed us, and everything. Fear Him, and 

 He will raise thee friends, and keep thy foot from sliding. 



For thy father's sake, I wish thee all good ; and for thy own, 

 a constant, reverent trust, and hope in that Power who is ever 

 near to help those who confide in him. 



I am, and wish to be, 



Thy friend, 



J. Fotiiergill. 



