mised it, and that it was given
him only that he might gratify one person with the place I look for.
Here, among many that were here, I met with Mr. Lynes, the surgeon, who
promised me some seeds of the sensitive plant.

[Evelyn, about the same date (August 9th, 1661), "tried several
experiments on the sensitive plant and humilis, which contracted
with the least touch of the sun through a burning glass, though it
rises and opens only when it shines on it"]

I spoke too with Mr. Pierce the surgeon, who gave me great encouragement
to go to sea with my Lord. Thence going homewards, my Lord overtook me
in his coach, and called me in, and so I went with him to St. James's,
and G. Montagu being gone to White Hall, we walked over the Park
thither, all the way he discoursing of the times, and of the change
of things since the last year, and wondering how he could bear with so
great disappointment as he did. He did give me the best advice that he
could what was best for me, whether to stay or go with him, and offered
all the ways that could be, how he might do me good, with the greatest
liberty and love that could be. I left him at Whitehall, and myself went
to Westminster to my office, whither nothing to do, but I did discourse
with Mr. Falconbridge about Le Squire's place, and had his consent to
get it if I could. I afterwards in the Hall met with W. Simons, who
put me in the best way how to get it done. Thence by appointment to
the Angel in King Street, where Chetwind, Mr. Thomas and Doling were at
oysters, and beginning Lent this day with a fish dinner. After dinner
Mr. Thomas and I by water to London, where I went to Herring's and
received the L50 of my Lord's upon Frank's bill from Worcester. I gave
in the bill and set my hand to his bill. Thence I went to the Pope's
Head Alley and called on Adam Chard, and bought a catcall there, it cost
me two groats. Thence went and gave him a cup of ale. After that to the
Sun behind the Exchange, where meeting my uncle Wight by the way, took
him with me thither, and after drinking a health or two round at the
Cock (Mr. Thomas being gone thither), we parted, he and I homewards,
parted at Fleet Street, where I found my father newly come home from
Brampton very well. He left my uncle with his leg very dangerous, and do
believe he cannot continue in that condition long. He tells me that my
uncle did acquaint him very largely what he did intend to do with his
estate, to