538 DOCTOR BOND [1780. 



to make any more collections than those that are easily come at, 

 until we are certain of proper returns. 



I am your respectful, humble servant, 



T. Bond. 



October 26, 1780. 



Dear Sir : 



Since my last, no intelligence from Mr. Gerard : but Mr. Mar- 

 bois, has apply'd to me in behalf of the Marshal Noailles, and 

 the Royal Garden at Paris, to enter into a commerce of exchange 

 of such trees, plants, &c, as would be a mutual advantage and 

 improvement, in the natural productions of Europe and America. 

 They do not desire botanical curiosities ; but such things only as 

 would enrich France, such as Pines, Oaks, Hickories, Poplars, 

 Persimmons, Magnolias, &c, and wish to have a parcel of the nuts 

 sent as soon as possible for planting next spring. 



The proposal is public-spirited, and worth our notice, and if it 

 will not be too much trouble to you, I should be glad to accept it. 

 I will do all I can : but I think it would be best to carry on the 

 correspondence ourselves, to w,rite to these gentlemen and know 

 what they require, and to inform them what we want. I also think 

 it would be best to send the box you have prepared to them. A 

 line from you on this occasion would much oblige 



Your respectful, humble serv't, 



Th. Bond. 



Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1780. 



Dear Sir : 



Your two letters and botanic collection came safe to hand ; but 

 not being at home, I missed a wished-for opportunity of writing 

 to you, and sending the list of seeds which our new correspondents 

 desire to have sent them. It has been in my possession some time, 

 from not seeing any person going directly to your neighbourhood. 

 I think it would be best for you to come up yourself, and hear what 

 proposals the Minister of France and Mr. Marbois have further 

 to make ; the catalogue being very large, and will give you much 

 trouble to collect. 



I perceive by your last letter, 'tis your inclination to send this 

 box to our former friend, Mr. Gerard, on the generous plan of 



