70 On Fiorin Grass, 



their cattle. Its joints throw out roots in the water. 

 She called those collections of Fiorin^ — *' floating is- 

 lands."^ R. P. 



July 12, 1812. I find the Fmin in plenty, in my 

 neighbourhood. It grows on my own, and other, farms; 

 and, most commonly, in moist spots. It is found on 

 the sides of roads, gullies, and cart-routes where waters 

 of streams, or rains, have moistened the soil ; and it de- 

 lights in the banks of muddy runs, or ditches newly 

 thrown. I perceive several varieties ; some much more 

 succulent, and less rigid, in the stems, or strings, than 

 others. I have strewn the L'ish strings, or joints, on 

 a low piece of ground ; but not sufficiently moist, and 

 I have native plants in the same spot. We shall be 

 thus enabled to discover the best kinds for cultivation. 

 Some of the native plants appear mean and unpromis- 

 ing ; some very much otherwise. Whether owing to 

 the difference of species, or thequality of the soil, I know 



* My informant is a respectable and venerable woman. She 

 is 85 years old ; and enjoys, perfectly, her health and faculties. 

 She is remarkably industrious ; and spins the finest thread, either 

 of flax or cotton, I have been accustomed to see. She rides on 

 horse back thirty miles, in less than a day, with no fatigue. Her 

 horse (well known to me) is as extraordinary, as its rider. He is 

 perfectly sound and sure footed. He is a New England horse ; and 

 was the saddle horse of the late governor John Penn. I think he 

 is now as pleasant a hackney, as he was in his youth ; though he is 

 41 years old, at this time. [May, 1812.] 



R. P. 



