to see a present from a gentleman of this country, of two large baskets full of ripe oranges and lemons of different sorts, many of which were quite new to me; and what I thought worth all the rest, two ripe ananasses (sic), which, to my taste, are a fruit perfectly delicious.  You know they are naturally the growth of Brazil, and I could not imagine how they came here, but by enchantment.  Upon inquiry, I learnt that they have brought their stoves to such perfection, they lengthen their summer as long as they please, giving to every plant the degree of heat it would receive from the sun in its native soil.  The effect is very near the same; I am surprised we do not practise (sic) in England so useful an invention.  This reflection leads me to consider our obstinacy in shaking with cold, five months in the year rather than make use of stoves, which are certainly one of the greatest conveniencies (sic) of life.  Besides, they are so far from spoiling the form of a room, that they add very much to the magnificence of it, when they are painted and gilt, as they are at Vienna, or at Dresden, where they are often in the shapes of china jars, statues, or fine cabinets, so naturally represented, that they are not to be distinguished.  If ever I return, in defiance to the fashion, you shall certainly see one in the chamber of, Dear sister, your, &c.

I WILL write often, since you desire it:  but I must beg you to be a little more particular in your’s; you fancy me at forty miles distance, and forget, that, after so long an absence, I can’t understand hints.

LET.  XX.

TO THE LADY ——.

Vienna, Jan. 1.  O. S. 1717

I HAVE just received here at Vienna, your ladyship’s compliments on my return to England, sent me from Hanover.  You see, madam, all things that are asserted with confidence are not absolutely true; and that you have no sort of reason to complain of me for making my designed return a mystery to you, when you say, all the world are informed of it.  You may tell all the world in my name, that they are never so well informed of my affairs as I am myself; that I am very positive I am at this time at Vienna, where the carnival is begun, and all sorts of diversions are carried to the greatest height, except that of masquing (sic), which is never permitted during a war with the Turks.  The balls are in public places, where the men pay a gold ducat at entrance, but the ladies nothing.  I am told, that these houses get sometimes a thousand ducats in a night.  They are very magnificently furnished, and the music good, if they had not that detestible (sic) custom of mixing hunting horns with it, that almost deafen the company.  But that noise is so agreeable here, they never make a concert without them.  The ball always concludes with English country dances, to the number of thirty or forty couple, and so ill danced, that there is very little pleasure in them.  They know but half a dozen, and they have danced them over and over