I had the honor of addressing you on the 24th. of December by the ship Minerva1 Captn. Mc.Cray for New York, covering at the same time a letter from Mr. Mazzei since which, I have received the garden:seeds from Malta I then mentioned, and now forward them herewith.—

I have not receiv’d any particular directions as to their cultivation, but I am told generally that the fruits they produce are of extraordinary size and flavour; in an especial manner the Cauliflowers, which come to the enormous weight of 25#. or 30#.—The pumkins are from 3 to 4 feet in length, and half as much in circumference.—The winter:melons are gathered in Malta about the beginning of September, and laid in dry chambers until they ripen which takes place in december or january; in short, they follow each other in their maturity in the manner of our winter:pears—however, I ought to observe that they do not arrive to quite half the dimensions of the summer:melon; but I am assured by a Maltese gentleman of my Acquaintance here that they are far superior in flavour to any other species—

The four kinds of seeds contained within, are the winter:melon, Summer melon, long pumpkin, and the long:cauliflower … —The vessel by which these are conveyed to you, being first to touch at Marseilles, and afterwards destined for Newbury:port, I have thought proper to defer sending the Vino del Carmine until the departure of a vessel for New York in the beginning of february—

accept Sir the assurances of the high Respect with which I am your devoted Servant