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Cape Good Hope Septr 1792
Sir
I was favoured with your letter by the Rose which gave much satisfaction by aquainting me of the success of last years collection. I am sorry that the present years has been so small, but I hope soon to make amends for that deficiency. I lately received a long list from Mr Aiton but many of the plants grows at a great distance from the Cape; and so widely scattered that it almost imposible to find them all in seed. However my intended Journey which I shall in a few days commence will produce many of them, besides many others yet unknown. I am very desirius to know if any of he Stapelias succeeded. I have now above twenty new Species and I believe there is still many more, they are very difficult plants to keep here, they rot during the rainy Season if not protected, being mostly inhabitants of dry desarts. There is another Species of Strelitzia in this country, but I have not been able to learn in what distriction it is to be found, it was in the Company's Garden but by imprudenly transplanting it died. I shall endeavour if possible to procure it.
I send this by Capt Lyon of the Brig Three Friends bound to St Helena, who takes charge of a Box of Seeds and Some few specimen, but in case he should not sail directly for England Major Robson will forward it by the first opportunity. You will find two Sps in Nº 57 whose Genus I know not they grow on high mountain out of Rocks. I send inclosed duplicates of my expence for the years 90 & 91.
I have the honor to be
Sir
with the greatest respect
Yours
Frans: Masson
My last was by Capt Christmas of the Danish Ship Crown Princess Maria with a parcel containing about 30 Sorts.
Sir Jos: Banks Bart. P.R.S
Wrote to him
Feb 13 1794