Letter 0888

[fol. 226] Worthy Sir Pulo Condore Janrie 7. 1703/4 In a line to you by the Robert and Nathanel which left this place eight days agoe, I signified my design of sending you a Collection of some Plants, which now comes by Mr Elwood Surgeon to the Liampo Frigatt, viz. one Book containing above 100 Specimens from Cochin-china with a few short Notes upon them; & another Book of above 80 Spe- cimens from this Island, but scare any account of them, because theyre for the most part remarkable from the shape of their leaves; and these which remain requiring some Description, I shall not fail to send with the next opportunitie; among the rest I have sent you the fruit of the Calambac-tree, & one account of what I could learn thereof, as also one leafe of the true Rhubarb of China taken from a tender Plant I have gott from thence. Theres besides a small box of Shells, some fruits and a few Butterflies with specimens of the Calambac & Lignum Aloes; of all which I desire Mr Petiver may be a sharer, want of brown Paper & time not permitting me to make a separate Collection. You may perhaps expect from me one account of our Expedition to the Court of Cochin- china, but at present must referr you to our advices to the Company, and shall send you a new draught of that coast with the next occasion. As for our under- takings in this Island, they may prove successful if reasonably encouraged by the Company: there has lately been here one Junk from Cambogia & another from Siam, chiefly with provisions; this day is arrived one Junk from Macao, & more are ex: pected from Canton & Emuy with Merchants Goods, which we hope to procure at more reasonable rates then in China, whereby a great many diffi- culties undergone there, will here be avoided, and exactions prevented. I am Sir Your Assured Friend & most Humble Sert Ja: Cuninghame