From Alexander Small (unpublished)
London June 2d 1789
Dear Sir

I have sent the papers on Ventilation by the Ship. On enquiry there is not a ship   River bound to Philadelphia but I have given the parcel to a person who has promised to send it by the first Opportunity.

I am come for a few days to London, and purpose to return in a few days to Newent by Glocester, to which place you may direct for me, when you favour me with a Letter. I have found the benefit you mention by erecting my Ear into a kind of trumpet when I wish to be particularly attentive to what is said.

That I may not be quite unemployed in the Country I have taken the Bees under my protection, and hope to establish a Method of obtaining the Honey without ever killing them. And as I live in a Country in which Hops are much cultivated I have made some experiments which seem to promise a Method of destroying an Insect which is very destructive to that plant. If my experiments are attended with Success, I shall inform you of it.

As the greatest part of Animals and Vegetables have their particular Insects, which pursue them wherever they are transplanted, I have endeavoured to account for these Singularities by Supposing that at the Creation God had added to each Animal and Plant particles which in certain Circumstances would become living Creatures, and be fed by the parent plant. Thus the Locust[?] follows Man. The sheep have a peculiar Animal, as have the Pideons. Whenever Turnip seed is sown, their fly appear, and a peculiar Insect preys on the Hop; and as does? a green Insect on the Mosk Rose. I think this Origin of Insects is as rational as the Count de Buffon’s animated particles. I shall be glad to have your Opinion on this subject. I dined a few days ago at Mr. Andrew Strahan, where his Sister Mrs. Spottswood enquired particularly after you, and mentioned her pleasant remembrance of the notice you was pleased to take of her. Her Brother carries on the business successfully. I am Dear Sir Your Affectionate and Faithful Friend

Alexr Small

Addressed: Dr Benjn Franklin / Philadelphia / North America / per P.
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