128 Selections from the Correspondence of 



forty years past since I came to America. I lost my fruit of all 

 lands by a frost the last day of May, and many likewise lost 

 their rye, being in blossom at that time. There is something in 

 cold and in frost which we do not understand. I suspect strongly 

 that it rises from the ground, by [its] effects being so very differ- 

 ent in different places at a small distance from each other, accord- 

 ing to the difference of the soil and situation. The lowest situ- 

 ation and meadow grounds are generally most subject to frost. 

 The difference of a few feet in height is often very sensible in 

 the same farm. The most frequent frosts are in dry summers. 



I have not met with any shells since I received your last ; 

 though I have frequently seen them near my house. Mr. Bar- 

 tram some years since carried a considerable piece from my house : 

 as soon as I can get any I shall send some to you. These shells, 

 and many other marine things found far within land and on 

 the top of mountains, I think prove that those parts where these 

 shells, fyc. are found were once under water ; but it does not prove 

 that the face of the earth was at that time the same as it is now. 

 I think the contrary, that it must be different now from what it 

 was then, and that this difference probably has happened by great 

 general earthquakes. 



In the bundle with the papers, I have mentioned there are some 

 descriptions of plants by my daughter Jane, which I designed to 

 have sent by a ship from hence to Holland, which sailed a few 

 weeks since ; but was prevented in sending them by the sickness 

 of my youngest daughter. I am pleased that they go to you, 

 that you may perceive how far she deserves encouragement, in 

 giving such an example to others of her sex. Please to convey 

 them with my letter to Dr. Gronovius, when you have a proper 

 opportunity. 



Mr. Collins on to Dr. Golden. 



Ridge Way House, Feb. 25th, 1764. 



I am here retired to my sweet and calm old mansion, and from 

 its high elevation look forty or fifty miles round me, on the busy 

 vain world below ; envying no man, but truly thankful for the 

 undeserved blessings good Providence hath pleased to confer on 

 me. With a pious mind filled with admiration, I contemplate 

 the glorious constellations above, and the wonders in the vegeta- 

 ble tribes below. I have an assemblage of rare plants from all 



