ROBERT POCOCK. 179 



Ashdown of the Calico Print Grounds, who says any 

 Saturday noon he is at leisure, and will go down the 

 marshes to botanize. In my journey I met many 

 coaches loaded with persons going down to the ship 

 launch at Chatham to-morrow, of the Prince Regent 

 a beautiful first-rate with a round stern, being the 

 first on that principle. Gave William 2s. 6d. out of Mr. 

 Grafter's money. Paid Niel, the waterman, a shilling 

 for putting on board the Comet, bound for Leith, half 

 a firkin of plants for Mr. Patrick Niell, printer, of 

 No. 10, Old Fish Market, Edinburgh. Sent by post a 

 letter to Mr. Niell, saying the plants were forwarded ; 

 and in the firkin was a list of what rare plants I 

 wanted. 



" Saturday, 1 2th. The ship launch at Chatham 

 of the Prince Regent the largest ship, I believe, yet 

 made with a round stern. Heard a person by 

 accident was there killed. Paid William, my man, 9s. 

 at night on his leaving me. Frances Pocock came. 



" Sunday, 13th. Frances returns. Put out two 

 lizard orchis in the Claphall Road ; one stout enough 

 to blow this year, and the other with only one leaf, as 

 if only one year old ; so that I suppose it will not blow 

 till 1825 (watch it!). Heard first nightingale. 



" Monday, 14th. Went by boat to London. Waited 

 on Mr. Simmonds, and gave him a new bill ; but the 

 old bill was not returned. Waited on Mr. Pewtress, 

 my stationer. 



" Tuesday, I5th. Went to Paddington, and much 

 pleased with two new churches I saw on the road. I 

 believe one was Marylebone, and the other St. Pancras. 

 Slept in Bedfordbury. 



" Wednesday, \tith. Wet, uncomfortable. Sold old 

 N 2 



