392 JOHN BARTRAM TO [1756. 



of the frigid zone, from the highest latitudes, all the way over land, 

 as there is in Europe and Asia, which have also the great advan- 

 tage of having the sea north of them, except about Nova Zembla. 



As for rain, I suppose it to be collected from the sea, the rivers 

 and lakes, vegetables and mountains. The sea affords materials 

 abundantly for the formation of rain, as it is continually in agita- 

 tion, especially near the shore, the waves dashing and breaking 

 against it into steam, and rising in vapour. The rivers afford 

 large quantities of vapour, both from their even surface, their 

 agitated waves, and at their falls, as may be observed in a frosty 

 morning in a thick fog. Plants and trees send up great quantities 

 of vapour, from which, perhaps, most of dews are formed ; and 

 lastly, the mountains not only collect and condense the vapours, 

 by their coldness and height, but also direct the course of the 

 rains, in some situations ; as is evident on the coast of Coromanclel 

 in Asia, Mount Atlas in Africa, the Cordilleras in America, with 

 many others, too tedious to name ; all which are, doubtless, very 

 instrumental in furnishing the inland parts of the globe with the 

 necessary liquid element. * * * 



March the 14th, 1756. 



Respected Friend Doctor Garden : 



I have just received thy very kind letter of February the 13th, 

 1756, but alas ! very short. I am glad that the bulbous roots 

 flourish with thee. I sent thee a fine variety of Tulip roots ; but 

 they all came too late, though sent by the first opportunity. 



I long to see thy Journal to and from Saluda. Pray, what is 

 your Palmetto Royal ? Is the fruit wholesome to eat ? Is it a 

 tree or shrub ? How soon doth it bear from seed ? I am glad 

 thee art so well settled in business, and I hope art possessed of a 

 sweet, dear, agreeable consort. This winter, I have married my 

 daughter Mary to a very worthy, rich young man, who lives in 

 sight, and about half an hour's walk distant from my house. 



I am much obliged to thee for thy kindness for my son Wil- 

 liam. He longs to be with thee ; but it is more for the sake of 

 Botany, than Physic or Surgery, neither of which he seems to have 

 any delight in. I have several books of both ; but can't persuade 

 him to read a page in either. Botany and drawing are his delight; 

 but I am afraid won't get him a living. I have some thoughts of 



