454 MICHAEL COLLINSON [1773. 



I much fear the extirpation of that dreadful animal, the Rattle- 

 snake, "will be never accomplished, notwithstanding the perpetual 

 war against the race. The continent of America is so vast, the 

 retreats so many, and so secluded from human approach, that if it 

 ever should take place, it must, I think, be many centuries first ; 

 for, please to remember, those reptiles are found as far south as 

 the line itself, an immense tract ; and how much farther, we know 

 not. Pray, is the Rattlesnake found as far north as the Labrador 

 coast ? And if not, where is the line of termination drawn ? 



As to the poor Buffalo and Beaver, I believe their days are- 

 numbered ; and sorry I am for the belief, especially with respect 

 to the latter ; which, from its extreme inoffensiveness and ingenuity 

 deserves a better fate. 



I shall follow this letter very shortly, by another, wishing to 

 communicate something relative to a species of Snake, I observed 

 in Italy, &c. &c. I have, therefore, only to add, that if wishes 

 could have any effect, I would never cease wishing new, numberless, 

 and happy years, to you and your worthy family, till I had not 

 room enough left in my paper, to crowd in the useless name of, 



Dearest sir, 



Your truly affectionate friend, 



Michael Collixson. 



Manchester Buildings, February 25th, 1~7-'. 



My dear Sir : 



I troubled you with a letter dated the 8th ultimo, and I hope 

 with better success than my two preceding letters met with. 



Our winter, to this date, has been uncommonly mild, there 

 having been nothing equal to it since 1750. One continued series 

 of mild southwest winds having blown for four months past, with 

 an intermission only of about a fortnight's moderate frost; so that, 

 Avhilst vegetation has been surprisingly pushed forward, the rich 

 and the great have been put to it, to fill their ice-houses. I am 

 however, afraid there is a scouring yet in store for us ; but, I hope 

 not so intolerable a one as we experienced last May, when the 

 severity of the northeast winds not only blasted all the bloom in 

 our orchards, but our grass to such a degree as to double the price 

 of hay. 



Your American apples have been an admirable substitute, this 



