LETTERS. 413 
larger collection of my obfervations before my 
departure hence. 
I am now determined to leave this place next 
afcenfion-day, and go from hence in a French fhip 
to Alexandria in Egypt, there I intend to obtain 
what information I can in a fliort time, and fo go 
over to Palaeftine. 
Smyrna, April 28. 
I AM now at the point of leaving this place, 
from whence I have had frequent agreeable 
opportunities of writing to you. 1 have got a 
Turkilh pafs, and expeft every day an oppor- 
tunity to continue my journey in fome veflel, 
which in all appearance will be firft to Egypt, by 
way of Cyprus to Alexandria and Cairo, whence 
1 intend, with the help of God, to go to the place of 
my deftination, Paladline. I hope thefe places, in 
a promifing time of the year, will afford me fuf- 
ficient opportunities for obfervations in Natural 
Hiftory, which I wifli in time to lay before you. 
I fhall efteem myfelf happy, if there fhould be any 
amongft them worth your attention, and fhall have 
gained the greateft reward I can exped from my 
poor endeavours. 
Flora begins now in this country to put on 
her beft attire, fine varieties of Anrnmes adorn the 
plains : Hyacinths grow near the roads : Ranun- 
culus of a large and fine variety is common in the 
vineyards : the Almond-tree blofifoms on the bare 
branches, and gives the hills an elegant appear- 
ance, where they are mixt with the ever green 
olive-trees. I of ten wifh, that thefe were as com- 
mon in Sweden as Fumitory and Treacle milliard 
Z 3 are 
