1745.] T0 J - F - gronovius. 353 



and grass, finely. See more in the papers in which I have 

 wrapped some of both the common rock and loadstone. 



I have sent thee many curiosities in a box directed to thee ; 

 which I hope our worthy friend, Peter Collinson, will send to 

 ttiee according to my direction, if the French and Spaniards 

 don't hinder him from the opportunity of obliging us. Indeed, it 

 is very discouraging to think that all my labour and charges, may 

 very likely fall into such hands as will take no farther care of 

 them, than to heave them overboard into the sea, as I suppose they 

 did all that I sent last year, by the Queen of Hungaria. If I 

 could know that they fell into the hands of men of learning and 

 curiosity, I should be more easy about them. Though they are 

 what is commonly called our enemies, yet, if they make proper use 

 of what I have laboured for, let them enjoy it with the blessing of 

 God. 



I have sent a variety of the clay-cells, which the singing Wasps 

 built last summer ; but the wasps were gone, or dead, before thy 

 instructions came to my hands. I believe we have a great variety 

 of these kinds. I design, next summer (if my affairs go on pretty 

 well), to make a fine collection of insects and fishes for thee. 



I sent by the last ship, to Mr. Collinson, a Muskrat's skin, 

 with its feet, tail, and part of its head, for thee to make particular 

 observations thereof. 



***** * * 



I have sent thy observations on the Shells, I sent thee, to our 

 friend Dr. Colden ; and thy letter to him, with the book for the 

 Doctor at New York, who died a few days before I received 

 them. 



Dr. Colden and I often send letters to one another. He is a 

 worthy gentleman, of pleasant and agreeable conversation, and 

 great humanity. He staid at my house one night, last year ; and 

 next dav, I went with him to James Logan's, and from thence to 

 Philadelphia. 



Doctor Mitchell lodged several nights at my house. Last year, 

 he came up to town for the advantage of better health. He is an 

 ingenious man : but his constitution is miserably broken, and if he 

 don't remove soon from Virginia, he can't continue long in the 

 land of the living. 



Our friend, Dr. Phineas Bond, gives his service to thee. He 

 hath a great respect for thee. 



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