The manuscript of “New-Englands Plantation” probably was sent home to England upon the return of one of the vessels that had brought over the planters. It was received in London before November 20, 1629 (see Young’s “Chronicles of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay,” pp. 107, 242). Higginson had not expected that it would be printed, as it was written for “the satisfaction of loving friends” who had requested a letter upon his arrival, giving some account of the voyage across the Atlantic and of the newly settled country. Only the latter part of this letter was printed, the earlier portion, describing the voyage, not being deemed of sufficient importance to be thus preserved. Three editions were published, all bearing date of 1630. The author’s name appears on the title-pages of the second and third editions. In 1634 was published William Wood’s “New Englands Prospect,” which gave much detailed information regarding the country and the settlements in the Massachusetts Bay. This superseded the earlier account by Higginson, and the latter dropped out of sight and in time became very rare. In 1792 it was reprinted in the Massachusetts Historical Collections. In 1836 it was included in Force’s “Tracts,” and in 1846 in Young’s “Chronicles of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay.” The several editions may be described as follows: FIRST EDITION New-Englands | Plantation. | or, | A Short and Trve | Description of the | Commodities and | Discommodities | of that Countrey.| Written by a reuerend Diuine now | there resident. | [Printer’s ornament] | London, | Printed by T. C. and R. C. for Michael Sparke, | dwelling at the Signe of the Blew Bible in | Greene Arbor in the little Old Bailey. | 1630. | Small 4to. 21 unnumbered pages. Collation: Title (1), reverse blank; To the Reader, signed M. S. (1), reverse blank; New-Englands Plantation (17); ends “Finis.” Signatures, B- (D on last page). SECOND EDITION New-Englands | Plantation. | Or, | A Short and Trve | Description of the | Commodities and | Discommodities | of that Countrey. | Written by Mr. Higgeson, a reuerend Diuine | now there resident. | Whereunto is added a Letter, sent by Mr. Graues | an Enginere, out of New-England, | The second Edition enlarged. | [Printer’s ornament] | London, | Printed by T. & R. Cotes, for Michael Sparke, | dwelling at the Signe of the Blew Bible in | Greene Arbor in the little Old Bailey. | 1630. | Small 4to. 27 unnumbered pages. Collation: Title (1), reverse blank; To the Reader, signed M. S. (1), reverse blank; New-Englands Plantajon (23); ends “Fjnjs.” Signatures, B (beginning with “New-Englands Plantajon”)-D(4) THIRD EDITION