1769.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 403 



your pension is hereafter to be applied for and received ; though I 

 suppose he has written to you before this time. 



I hope your health continues as mine does, hitherto ; but I wish 

 you would now decline your long and dangerous peregrinations, in 

 search of your plants, and remain safe and quiet at home, employ- 

 ing your leisure hours in a work that is much wanted, and which 

 no one besides is so capable of performing I mean the writing a 

 Natural History of our country. I imagine it would prove profita- 

 ble to you, and I am sure it would do you honour. 



My respects and best wishes attend Mrs. Bartram, and your 

 family. 



With sincere esteem, I am, as ever, 



Your affectionate friend, 



B. Franklin. 



P. S. January 28. The box is delivered, according to Mr. 

 Michael Collinson's directions, at Lord Bute's. Mr. Collin- 

 son takes it amiss that you did not write to him. 



I have sent over some seed of Naked Oats, and some of Swiss 

 Barley, six rows to an ear. If you would choose to try some of it, 

 call on Mrs. Franklin. 



London, July 9, 1769. 



Dear Friend : 



It is with great pleasure, I understand, by your favour of April 

 10, that you continue to enjoy so good a share of health. I hope 

 it will long continue ; and although it may not now be suitable for 

 you to make such wide excursions as heretofore, you may yet be 

 very useful to your country, and to mankind, if you sit down 

 quietly at home, digest the knowledge you have acquired, compile 

 and publish the many observations you have made, and point out 

 the advantages that may be drawn from the whole, in public un- 

 dertakings, or particular private practice. 



It is true, many people are fond of accounts of old buildings, 

 monuments, &c, but there is a number, who would be much better 

 pleased with such accounts as you could afford them ; and for one 

 I confess, that if I could find in any Italian travels, a receipt for 

 making Parmesan cheese, it would give me more satisfaction than 

 a transcript of any inscription from any old stone whatever. 



