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[Page 2]
and which I am well assured contain a treasure of fine plants. I have also to remark, as you will naturally think that I neglect sending home seed of many elegant plants such as Gridias, Struthiolas, Passerinas, Clifortias, many species of the Proteas with multifid leaves, and many others which grow on bleak stormy mountains, which I find it almost imposible to procure seeds. I have brought many plants down and planted in the Gardens here but they never succeed in the lower regions. In about 14 days I propose taking a circuit round by Hout Bay to the extremity of the Cape not with a prospect of profiting much but to reconoitre the ground.
The Imperial Botanist is yet here under the protection of Col. Gordon (who desires his respect to you). He is much destressed by the death of his Master and sees has no prospect of bringing his collection home.
The Bulb which I sent last year under the name of Massonia echinata has flowered and proves to be a new Sp of Amaryllis. I have also 4 or 5 New Sp of Haemanthus.
I am Sir with the greatest respect
Your Most obedient Servant
Frans. Masson
P.S. Since I wrot this letter (which I intended to send by a Dutch Ship) two Whale fishers arrived in Saldanha Bay; the Captain of one (the Jackal, Mr. Raven) being an old aquaintance would been glad to have taken charge of any quantity of Seeds but the uncertainty of venturing any large collection of water, obliged me to send under his care a small parcel which he could put in his pocket of which I have added a list. He has been as far as Terra [Tierra] del Fuego and Staaten Island and says that he has discovered several safe harbours in the latter and should be glad to comunicate to you any information. Lives in No. 14 Well Closs [Close] Square.