44 



he contracted a close intimacy with him, which continued a life long, 

 and abounded in the reciprocation of kind offices. As an Anti- 

 quarian, he was not less eminent and distinguished. 



His first improvements, and collections in Horticulture were at Peck- 

 ham, in Surrey j* here they became extensive and very interesting. 

 In 1749, when he removed to Ridgway House at Mill Hill, he began 

 the transplanting of them, which occupied him for two years. He 

 was sometimes despoiled of these treasures so near his heart, but 

 always bore his loss patiently, while he strove to supply their place. 



" While in the country he spent most of his time in his garden, 

 taking care of the trees and plants, and observing the operations of 

 nature : he was exceedingly fond of fruit, and a perpetual admirer of 

 flowers, always having them in his house, from the early snow-drop to 

 the autumn cyclamen."f 



The Hortus Collinsonianus, prepared and printed by L. W. Dillwyn, 

 before alluded to, will fully illustrate his habits in this respect, and 

 well repay diligent and close perusal by every lover of horticulture. 



His person was rather short than tall ; he had a pleasing and 

 social aspect ; was of a temper open and communicative, capable of 

 feeling for distress, and ready to relieve and sympathise. Excepting 

 some attacks of the gout, he enjoyed, in general, perfect health, and 

 great equality of spirits, and had arrived at his 75th year ; when, 

 being on a visit to Lord Petre, for whom he had a singular regard, 

 he was seized with an attack, which, baffling every attempt to relieve 

 it, proved fatal, on the llth of August, 1768.J 



For the following letter, from Mr. Thomas Collinson,* a nephew 

 of Peter Collinson, addressed to Dr. Bucarel, giving some account of 

 his illness and last hours, we are indebted to " Nichols's Literary 

 Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century." 



* His brother had a garden near him. 



t We are indebted for several hints and facts in this notice to a manuscript sketch from the 

 collections of a lady in this city, illustrative of the mysteries of nature's handiwork, and which 

 we trust may some day see the light 



t Peter Collinson, born January 14th, 1693-4, I Mary, daughter of Michael Russell, Esq., 

 died August 11, 1768. of Mill Hill, died March 28, 1753. 



Michael Collinson, died August 11, 1795. I .... Mary Collinson, John Cator, Esq., of 

 aged 67. Beckenham, Kent, M. P. 

 J for Callington. 



Charles Streynsham Collinson, Esq. High Sheriff 

 fSUff0 ' k ' 1801 - 



* We add a few words on the life and character of this nephew, whose name, stock, early 

 training, and whole life, further illustrate the idea with which this Tribute commences, as to 

 the excellent traits of character resulting from " a life conformed* to principles of Friends." 

 We learn from the Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. 73, p. 878, that Thomas Collinson died August 



