E 63 ] 



On Fiorin Grass, by Richard Peters^ Esquire. 



Read June 9, 1812. 



Belmont, May 30, 1812. 



Sir, 



I send to you strings of the Fiorin Grass, brought, 

 at my request, for me, from Ireland, by my friend Z)a- 

 vid H, Conyngham, Esq. who merits much praise for 

 his attention to an article, which may turn out of great 

 benefit to our country. They are not direct from Dr. 

 Ri c H A R D so N , (of Clonfeclc in Ireland, the original dis- 

 coverer of the extraordinary qualities and almost in- 

 credible product of this grass) but are of the kind cul- 

 tivated by him. For moist grounds, more especially 

 marshesyfensy bogs, and soils of this nature, no grass 

 can be more highly desirable. It will grow in any soil, 

 but thrives best where there is the most moisture. No 

 doubt it will be discovered to be an indigenous plant ; 

 and when it is perfected from the strings now introdu- 

 ced, a comparison can be made with those of our coun- 

 try. It is common in all parts of the world ; but its 

 qualities have only recently been developed. They 

 were not fully known until Dr. Richardson discovered 

 and proved them. A fair experiment should be made ; 

 and all prejudice and incredulity should be banished. 

 Success, by a careful and persevering few, will soon 

 bring conviction to the many. The ship in which the 

 Fiorin came, was unhappily cast away on our coast. 

 The grass, confined in a box and a sack, w^as wet with 

 sea- water, and so remained for two weeks or more. 



