70 ROBERT POCOCK. 



rain during dinner (about one o'clock). Mild and 

 pleasant just after. Venus, Jupiter, and the moon 

 seen in a straight line this evening; the moon the 

 lowest, Jupiter next, and Venus uppermost. 



" Thursday, May 14th. Rain at Shorne to-day, but 

 not at Gravesend. Saw Rowe of the Prince of Orange 

 in the street, and had some words with him. Heard 

 that yesterday some Irish volunteers from a militia 

 regiment had raised a riot at Maidstone, because they 

 had not received their bounty-money, and beat their 

 officers, with other gentlemen of Maidstone, all of whom 

 they drove through the River Medway. 



"Friday, May \btli. Several East Indiamen from 

 abroad passed by the town, unguarded by officers. Sent 

 a monkey to Mr. Hall, preserver of birds, City Road. 

 It was killed by drinking arrack, an East India spirit. 



" Saturday, May ]6th. Large blowing flies seen on 

 the wall, very lively and loving. Casks of tea floating 

 about; thrown overboard on purpose, because the 

 Custom-house officers are so strict. 



" Whit-Monday, May 18th. Walked with Mr. Cham- 

 pion and Henderson to Gad's Hill. Met with Durling, 

 the ' simpler,' gathering violets for the chemist : a very 

 religious man, who would not gather herbs on the 

 Lord's Day. Old Culpeper and Dr. Talmon were his 

 guides. Praised Mr. Dickson of Covent Garden Market 

 for his knowledge, but not for generosity. Found the 

 Orchis militaris in bloom in Gad's Hill Wood, where 

 I had not known it before. Toads crawl in the path 

 in the evening. The moon and Venus in a haze. 

 A thickness came on, but no rain. 



"Friday, May 22nd. Walked to Betsom to Mr. 

 Treadwells'. Heard that a Custom-house boat was 



