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[Page 2]
they have often times found great fault with me, for spending my time in such nonsense, as they called it, I am determined never to trouble them for a farthing; all their persuasions whatever, could never make me to forsake this nonsense; for what is instilled in the mind by nature, is not easily eradicated. If I was to explain all the difficulties that my mind retains, which I have met with in pursuing the object of my mind, I should not expect to be credited. I ought not now to complain without acknowledging, than when I was at home, it caused me to spend all the money that I got, but then I had a superiour advantage of getting more.
When I was at home, I used to ascertain the plants that I found, myself, or at least examined them as far as my intellect would admit; but since I have been obliged to decline that method. I never knew what it was to be confined to time week after week, till I went to work at Chelsea, where it is the custom for to work from 6 in the morning till 7 at night, from Lady-day till Michaelmas day; but I do sincerely believe, that I could do as much work in 6 hours every day, taking one day with the other, as I did in all the time that I was there, I take the liberty to say though I have no right to praise myself that I never was afraid of work, of any kind that I have ever yet been put to; but I do not like to be a Day in doing, about What I could do in 6 hours, or to use an old adage "When I worked I would work. When I played I would play".
It is the case in general, that there are more geniuses of the lower class in manufactoring towns than else where. Must not this be caused by so much leisure time as is generally spent in such places? I shall mention one as a witness who has a turn for Natural history, that is James Boltan, a Weaver by trade, but for about one year & a half back has kept a small public house who is an Author upon the British Ferns & Fern grasses, the Descriptions, Drawings & engravings, all done by himself; if, he had got his bread in a capacity, that would not permit him for to leave his work when his inclination stimulated him, would his works ever have been laid before the public? I am of opinion, that manufactoring towns cause the talents of many persons to be awaken which otherwise would have lain dormant.
If you approve of me going too Kew upon the terms that I have Insisted, I ought not to loose an hour between sun rising & setting; nay, not even a Minute: If the contrary, Necessity will