I can scarcely except bread. I see
this tree supporting thousands among the Alps, where there is not soil
enough to make bread for a single family. The caper, too, might be
cultivated with us. The fig we do raise. I do not speak of the vine,
because it is the parent of misery. Those who cultivate it are always
poor, and he who would employ himself with us in the culture of corn,
cotton, &c. can procure, in exchange for them, much more wine, and
better, than he could raise by its direct culture.
I sent you formerly copies of the documents on the Tagliaferro family,
which I had received from Mr. Febroni. I now send the originals. I have
procured for you a copy of Polybius, the best edition; but the best
edition of Vitruvius which is with the commentaries of Ficinus, is not
to be got here. I have sent to Holland for it. In the mean time, the
Polybius comes in a box containing books for Peter Carr, and for some of
my friends in Williamsburg and its vicinities. I have taken the liberty
of addressing the box to you. It goes to New York in the packet-boat
which carries this letter, and will be forwarded to you by water, by Mr.
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