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[Page 2]
We every day expect one of the Imperial Botanists from Mauritis [Mauritius] with a very large collection of Oriental plants from the Kings Garden there. He has hired a Ship intirly for the purpos of transporting his collection to Europe. Their Cape collection of living plants is large but I think not well chosen consisting of many plants which has been long in our Gardens and a great many species of Proteas, which is very difficult plants to preserve during such a long voyage and has a much better chance from seed but it is the Emperor's command that they should bring very large Plants even with flowers & fruit upon them. But it may be said of him as a sailor said of a certain British Admiral how should he know he never was at sea in his life.
I am with the greates respect
Sir
Your most obedient Humble Servt
Frans Masson
Cape of Good Hope Jan 3d 1788
I have for the Second time drawn upon you a Sett of Bills to the amount of eight hundred Rix Dollars on account of his Majesty payable to the order of Mr Christiaan Hendrik Schrader Merchant in Amsterdam.
Frans Masson
Sir Joseph Banks Baronett