1775.] TO HUMPHRY MARSHALL. 5^3 



23d, 8 mo., 177"). 



Esteemed Friend : 



I am much obliged to thee for several very kind letters, and a 

 box of plants, amongst which are some new Ferns, and a few other 

 rare plants. For these, and many others, I am still in thy debt, 

 but, at present, without any opportunity of repaying thee. 



I sent the last numbers of the plates that are published : and am 

 not quite sure if I did not send one twice over. If I did, only let 

 me know it; it needs not be returned. I hope it will be finished 

 the next spring ; and I shall send it as I may have opportunity. 



At present, I cannot expect anything, as all intercourse between 

 America and Britain will be cut off, and I. am afraid for a long 

 time. Be attentive, however, to increase thy collection at home, 

 by putting every rare plant thou meets with in a little garden, and 

 as much like their natural situation, as to shade, dryness or mois- 

 ture, as possible. For instance, most of the Ferns like shade and 

 moisture ; these may be planted on some north border, where the 

 sun shines but little except in the morning ; and so of the rest. 



A little mattock and a spade are the best instruments for taking 

 up plants. With the first, make a little trench round the plant, at 

 some distance, then raise up a large ball with the spade ; the earth 

 may then be gently pared away, so as not to hurt the roots, and in 

 this manner it may be safely conveyed any whither, and in any 

 season. I write this from Cheshire, one hundred and sixty miles 

 from London, to which place I retire for a couple of months every 

 year. Nearer London, I should have no quiet. My garden is 

 about five miles from London, warm and sheltered, rather moist 

 than dry ; and I have the satisfaction of seeing all North American 

 plants prosper amazingly. There are few gardens in the neigh- 

 bourhood of London, Keiv excepted, that can show either so large 

 or so healthy a collection. 



I have there, likewise, a fine young Tea tree. It is now, my 

 gardener writes me word, seven feet and a half high, extending its 

 branches in proportion. It flowered the last year, in autumn, and 

 will do so this. It is in the natural ground, but sheltered in winter 

 by a glass, and covered at night with a mat. It is the finest Tea- 

 tree in Europe. We are endeavouring to increase it, both by cut- 

 tings and layers. 



