544 DR - lettsom [1787. 



in the year 1724, which was about ten years ago ; and the name 

 and date were then very plain to be seen, which had been, at 

 that time, dated above fifty years : and the old man told me that 

 the turtle looked no older, he thought, at that time, than when he 

 dated it. It was likewise remarkable by being a little scorched on 

 the back, by fire, at the time he marked it. And he said he saw it 

 almost every year, in the meadow, when mowing the grass ; by 

 which it appears they are no great travellers. 



I hope they came over alive ; for I believe they will live a con- 

 siderable time without food. I conceive they lie shut up close, all 

 winter, and hide under the leaves, by the side of old logs, or fences, 

 as I never remember to have seen one creeping about, during that 

 season. 



I have likewise sent a small box, with a curious stone that seems 

 to show us the very formation and growth of crystals ; and some 

 old, defaced, Indian axes not being able to procure one that was 

 complete. However, these will show the form ; and by what means 

 they must deaden the timber, and get bark to build their wigwams. 

 By twisting a withe of Hickory round the stone, they make a helve, 

 and so cut and bruised the bark round the trees. The box is filled 

 up with some other articles, as per catalogue inclosed, being a few 

 seeds, nuts, &c, not dried much, which, if they don't mould, will 

 come over in perfection ; and if they do, they may vegetate, per- 

 haps, better than if dried. 



I shall be pleased with a continuance of our correspondence, if 

 life and health permit. 



Humphry Marshall. 



dr. lettsom to h. marshall. 



London, July 14th, 1787. 



Esteemed Friend : 



It somehow happened that a packet for Dr. Parke, one for Dr. 

 Franklin, and one for thyself, miscarried together : but I cannot 

 explain the incident further than that they were delivered by me. 



I have sent thee a few books ; but whether I shall be able to 

 include Linn^us, I am not certain, as it is a work not always to 

 be had. I hope, however, to do it by the next vessel. I think 

 myself, nevertheless, not out of thy debt, even when Linn^us is 

 received, or, at the most, I shall have no demand upon thee : for I 

 am not disposed to be illiberal ; and at the same time, either living 

 plants especially, and a box of seeds, or whatever else occurs to 



