Monsieur Thouin's Letter. 309 



" This assortment is composed of almost four hun- 

 dred Yitxlt packets of seeds of trees, and plants ; exotics 

 in North America, and which may be accommodated 

 to every department of rural and domestic economy. 

 The packets of the greatest part of the several species 

 being in duplicate, contain a sufficient quantity of seeds 

 to be capable of diffusion among a great number of 

 the members of the society, who will cultivate them 

 in various soils, different situations, and by many modes 

 of culture ; and thereby multiply the chances of suc- 

 cess. In this way more certain results will be afforded, 

 than if the whole were sown in the same kind of soil, in 

 one place, and in one mode of cultivation. 



" If the collection now sent is agreeable to the society, 

 or to any of its members, and they desire to receive one 

 similar, they have only to communicate to me their re- 

 quests ; and they will find me always disposed to pro- 

 cure for them every thing I have at my disposal, in the 

 extensive establishment committed to my care. The 

 society will acquit itself with interest, by transmitting, 

 described or not, some seeds of the vegetable products 

 which grow between the Allegheny mountains and the 

 South Sea, in the countries which American travellers 

 begin to frequent. 



Respectfully, 



Thouin.'* 



