Peter Collinson hopes the seeds have arrived, which he sent Linnaeus through Tobias Björk in the spring [Collinson must refer to the letter from him to Linnaeus, 12 April 1746{L0708}.
Now, Collinson is sending Linnaeus a specimen of a new and rare plant, not yet described except by Leonard Plukenet [Collinson refers to Plukenet’s Almagestum botanicum]. Collinson had forgotten to gather the first flowers, four times as big as those enclosed in the letter. Its leaves are very alike those of Coss lettuce, so Collinson had thought it was a lettuce before its flowers appeared. Now, Linnaeus has leaves, flowers and seeds, so he can attribute it to a class.
If it is a new genus, Linnaeus should name it Bartramnia, for it was John Bartram who found it growing behind the first ridge of mountains in Virginia. It is very beautiful, with violet petals.
If Linnaeus sows it at once, it will appear in two years. It is perennial and very hardy. Collinson will send Linnaeus a better specimen of the flowers next year.
Hans Sloane is well.
Collinson wonders if Abraham Bäck has returned from his travels.
P.S. Collinson adds that Leonurus Canadensis is flowering beautifully in his garden.