LIFE OF LINN^US, THE YOUNG . jf&NiaT. Jkt;* YOUNG BOTANIST BOSTON: PREFACE. v In the present day, when botany may be reckoned among fashionable studies, ft is singular that the life of the great botanist, Linnaeus should be so little known. There are few, we believe, who are ac¬ quainted with the uncommon events that marked his course, and the many difficulties he had to contend with ; or who have any idea of the persevering industry with which he pursued his object, until at last every e gave way. ty crowned his labours. The following particulars are drawn chiefly from the tour of Linnsus in Lapland, written by himself, and translated into Unglish by Sir J. Smith ; and from Dr. Trapes transla¬ tion of the life of Linnaus. The voluminous Hii size of this last work, arising from the mi¬ nuteness of its details, the diffuse style in which it is written, and the quantity of extra¬ neous matter bound up with it, places it be- who would gladly savoured to furnish this in a flatter ourselves, is adapted for the library of the young botanical stu- W: LIFE OF LINNjEUS. “ See, Ellen,” said Henry Vernoh to his sister, as he entered the library, one fine summer morning, and found her engaged in examining the flowers she had collected in a walk the evening be¬ fore : “see, Ellen,” said her brother, “ although I laugh at you for your love of botany, I have brought you a flower to pull to pieces ; and I assure you I have taken some pains to procure it for you, as you will believe, when I tell you that it grew on the summit of Sk Vincent’s rocks. “ Oh ! thank you, Henry: it is quite a new flower to me ; and what a long walk you have had for it. How early you must have risen ; for it is not yet eight o’clock. What could have led you to Hartwell at that time in the morning ?” “ To tell you the truth, Ellen, it was this identical flower that led me there; though you will ridicule the idea, that any poor blossom should have such a magnetic influence oa me. I will tell you how it was. About ten days ago, when my cousin George was here, you know we were out in search of butterflies for his cabinet. In the course of our ram¬ ble we climbed Hartwell cliff, to see what we could find there ; and while he was busy watching some insect, I espied this plant; and it occurred to me, that, as it grew on a spot which it was impossible for you to explore, it was very probable that you had never seen the flower. It was, however, only in bud then ; and I knew it was of no use to bring it in that state. And now, how do you think I found out the right time to gather it, at last ? You kno#5 Hartwell is not so easily climbed as to make an every-day business of it.” “Indeed, Henry,” said Ellen, “ I can only suppose that you made a very for¬ tunate guess about the time in which it might be fully in bloom.” “ No, no, yow will never find out how I managed it. Look I (holding out a little pocket-telescope} this was the messenger that brought me news from my lady Flora on the cliff. Every two or three days I went to the foot of Hartwell, and looked at the plant through my glass ; for it was so situa¬ ted, that I could clearly distinguish it by means of the telescope. During our walk to Leigh Wood, last Evening, while you and mother and father rested 8 LIFE OF LINN4X8. yourselves, I took another peep at Madam Flora, and saw, to my great satisfaction, that her ladyship was dres¬ sed out in blossoms ; and this morning I was off on my travels, before you were stirring, early riser as you boast yourself to be.” 44 Well, Henry,” said Ellen, ** it is quite an adventure; and I am sure you have made up, by your kind attention, for all the ridicule you have bestowed on my favourite pursuit.” 44 Good morning, Henry,” said Mr Vernon, who now came forward from a recess formed by a bay-window, in which he had been writing, unperceiv¬ ed by his son, 44 Good morning: I am glad you have been out so early, in this fine, pure air; and I am still more grat¬ ified that you have devoted your time and your labour to contribute to your sister’s pleasure.” * “ And it is quite a new flower to me, father,” said Ellen, w and I dare say it is to mother too; so I shall not exam¬ ine it till she comes, that we may enjoy it together.” “You are right,” said her father; “and now, as it is not quite breakfast¬ time, suppose we take a turn round the flower-garden, and see the beautiful productions of other climates; which has placed, as Milton says.” Ellen, now in her sixteenth year, with a mind highly cultivated by the constant assiduity of her parents, and particularly of her amiable and intelli¬ gent mother, was keenly alive to all the beauties of nature. Her brother, a year younger, was not devoid of sen¬ sibility on the subject; but he was of a less contemplative cast of character than Ellen; and besides, he was still a true school-boy, and rather prone to 10 ** lira OF LINNJ5US. think lightly of women’s pursuits, as unsuited to the dignity of the manly character. As they entered the gar¬ den, the fragrance of a thousand blos¬ soms regaled their senses, and the young people exclaimed together, “ How de¬ lightful !” “ And now, father,” said Henry,” after all, do you not like these sweet roses and jessamines better than all Ellen’s wild plants ?” “Really, Henry, at this moment I think, with you, that nothing can be more delightful, or more like ‘flowers worthy of Paradise,’ than these roses and jessamines, and the other fragrant blossoms by which we are surrounded. You know, too, that I am passionately fond of a garden. Do you remember the beginning of lord Bacon’s chapter on gardens, which I showed to you the other day ?” “Oh! yes, father, I remember, he writes as if he had so completely enjoy- ed the thing himself, that he commu¬ nicates some of his warm feeling on the subject to his reader.” “ That is, in truth, the case,” said Mr Vernon. “Ellen, my love, you are acquainted with lord Bacon’s name and character, though,"I believe, I have not introduced you to a knowledge of his Essays ; which, however, I hope at some future time to read with you. With regard to the passage we have just alluded to, I am sure, fond as you are of your wild plants, as Henry calls them, you will be charmed with his praise of gardens. He says : ‘A gar¬ den is the purest of human pleasures : it is the greatest refreshment to the spirits of man ; without which, build¬ ings and palaces are but gross handy- works : and a man shall ever see, that, when ages grow to civility and elegan¬ cy, men come to build stately, sooner than to garden finely; as if gardening 12 *?. UFS OF L1NNJ2C8. were the greater perfection.’ But, though I thus commend gardens, Hen¬ ry;' observe, that I do not mean to un¬ dervalue the many curious and beauti¬ ful plants which spring up uncultured in our fields and woods. Neither do I like to hear you speak so slightingly of your sister’s favourite study. My pro¬ fessional avocations have left me little leisure for the pursuit of many branches of knowledge, which were, at one time of my life, very interesting to me. This has been the case with botany. You have been accustomed' to see your mamma and sister engaged in it with much more ardour than any other mem¬ bers of the family ; and therefore, I believe, you fancy that it is not $. sub¬ ject suited to what you consider the stronger powers of your sex. Tell me, is not this your idea ?” g “Yes, papa, that is exactly what I have thought about it; because, though I knew you had some knowl¬ edge of botany, l never saw either you or my brother Charles appear . to take that continual interest in it which mamma and Ellen do.” “ This is very true, Henry ; never¬ theless, you will be surprised to hear, that the study of botany must form a part of your own education, as a physician. Your brother’s attainments, in most respects, may be considered as precisely what you should aim at ; but there are some points in which a differ¬ ence will be necessary, since your pro¬ fessions are so dissimilar. It would have been no peculiar advantage to Charles, as a special pleader, to have acquired the particular branch of know¬ ledge in question, though it would have adiled to his stores of intellectual en¬ joyment. But, in the profession for which you are intended, it is indispen- sable ; as you will find, when you ar¬ rive in Edinburgh to pursue your studies there, if not before . 4 Many of the medical students, l believe, go with prejudices like yours, or such as are equally unreasonable, and consider this study the most uninteresting they are called to engage in. Now let us see whether we cannot make your path pleasanter, by awakening in your mind an interest in the pursuit, before you are compelled to enter on it. I would advise you to take a few lessons of Ellen, whenever you are at home in the season of flowers. I fear I shall be too mnch engaged, during the? short time that remains of your present holi¬ days, to pay much attention to you on this or any other subject; but l will undertake to do my part, by relating to you, in letters, some of the most stri¬ king passages in the life of Linnseus, the great naturalist, whose system of LIFE OF UNNJEC8. 15 botany has now completely supplanted that which formerly prevailed. He was so interesting and uncommon a character, that I do not despair of com¬ municating to you a portion of his en¬ thusiasm, and throwing a charm around |he study, by the detail of his adven¬ tures and difficulties, apd the final suc¬ cess of his persevering exertions.” IJenry accepted his father’s offer with pleasure ; enlisted himself, as he said, under Ellen’s banners ; and stick¬ ing a daisy, he had gathered on the lawn, in his hat, he declared that he had assumed the order of Flora. The whole party entered the breakfast par¬ lour in high spirits. They found Mrs. Vernon seated at the table ; and after exchanging the morning gratulations with her, they told her of the plan which had just been resolved on, and which, as might be expected, received her approbation. The breakfast-hour was usually a cheerful and pleasant season at Mr. Vernon’s. It was only for a few days more, that Henry was to enjoy, for the present, this and other social hours with his family. The holidays passed quick¬ ly away, and the affectionate and ki nit- hearted boy parted from his family with sorrow. The following week, he received with great delight the fitfit of the promised letters from Mr. Vernon. fr • 17 LETTER I. MyIdear Boy, I seize the first leisure half- hour that occurs, to fulfil my promise of" giving you some details of the life of the great Swedish naturalist. As your sister will write of home-affairs, I have nothing to do but to set out with you at once to the shores of the Baltic. In the tongue of land which so nearly ap* proaches the territory of Denmark, you will find the province of Smaland. In a small village in this province, Linnae¬ us was born. His father, a clergyman of the Swedish church, in very limited circumstances, was descended from a race of peasants. Some of these had, howerer, quitted their rustic calling, to pursue the study of literature ; and changing their name with their occu¬ pation, they had, in fhe seventeenth century, assumed that of Lindelius, or 1 lhander, (linden-tree-man,) from a large linden or lime-tree, whirl grew “ the vlclnit J of their dwelling. The practice of adopting a new name from some external circumstance, is not un¬ usual m Sweden. The father of the naturalist followed the example his kin- Jed had set him. The family linden- ree was still standing; and he borrow¬ ed from ,t the name of Linmeus, which d7:cT, 0f a i3 . SOnhaS8iDCere nder- edsocelebmtedmevery quarter of , he Charles Linnaeus, the i»™ - * LIFE OP LINNjEUS. 19 time between the duties of his pastoral office and the cultivation of his garden. The elder Linnaeus was a great lover of gardening ; and a very limited in¬ come made the productiveness of his parterres, at the same time, an affair of pecuniary interest ; the sale of his flower-roots making an important ad¬ dition to his means of support. In this simple scene of rural industry, the first year of the life of Linnaeus was pass¬ ed. Flowers were his first play¬ things ; and it is said that the infant naturalist manifested unusual delight while gazing on their bright colours, and inhaling their fragrance. To use the words of a French poet: Some persons have imagined, that to this circumstance in his early life may > OP LlNNiEUS. be traced that passion for flowers which his later years exhibited. Before he had reached his second year, the cir¬ cumstances of his father were some¬ what improved by the gift of a more lucrative benefice. On removing to the new living, the good man was delight¬ ed to find an extensive garden attached to the ministerial residence. Although the addition to his income was not such as to render him a rich man, he was no longer compelled to cultivate his ground as a means of contributing towards the support of his family. He now luxuriated in the indulgence of his taste as a florist, and in a few years his garden became one of the finest in the distnct. He cultivated there upwards of lour hundred species of flowers, and many of these were rare exotics. In these simple pleasures the Swedish pas¬ tor sought recreation from the duties of his sacred office. As soon as his little boy was old enough to play in the gar¬ den, he became his constant companion when there. Whenerer his father was employed in rooting np his curious bulbs, or transplanting a valuable root, or supporting a stem of a favourite flower, Charles was to be seen gam¬ bolling by bis side, ready to aid him in his labours by watering the beds, or do¬ ing any thing which the careful florist would entrust to his youthful assis¬ tant. To encourage in him a love of these pursuits, when he had attained his eighth year a spot of ground was set apart, and distinguished by the name of “ Charles’s Garden.” The little naturalist was greatly delighted with this acquisition. He resolved to bring into his Lilliputian territory every vaiL ety of flower within bis reach, and be¬ gan to explore the neighbouring fields and woods in search of supplies. Ma- ny a prize did he find in these sylvan retreats, and often did he return home laden with treasures, and as happy in the discoveries he had made, as though they had been of far greater value. Many of the wild plants, thus introdu¬ ced to a richly-cultivated soil, spread and multiplied, and added so much to the labour of the gardener, that his father was obliged, at length, to set some bounds to the practice. But, not content with the stores of the vegeta¬ ble kingdom, the adventurous youth be¬ gan to seize on the insect tribe ; and baying succeeded in taking prisoners some wasps and wild bees, he brought them home to colonize his garden. The new inmates found themselves in a land flowing with milk and honey, and soon made desperate attacks on the hives of the domesticated bees ; and, like the Goths and Yandals inva- ding the nations of civilized Europe, of which you were reading last winter, threatened to ‘destroy the inhabitants, and lay waste the possessions of these little monarchies. Poor Charles was severely reprimanded for this inconsid¬ erate deed, and bound over to abstain from such proceedings in future. Mean¬ time, he continued to roam through field and wood ; and while he added to his little fund of knowledge, by the ob¬ servations he made on the flowers and insects collected in his rambles, be deepened in his heart that enthusiastic love of nature, which was his marked characteristic through life. I flatter myself, Henry, that you be¬ gin to feel some interest in Linnaeus ; and that you even w'ishyou could climb Hartwell cliff or explore Deerhurst wood with the young adventurer. Good bye, my dear boy : I am lim- or linnjEus. ited for time ; besides, I cannot proceed further, until you tell me whether you wish to hear more of my hero. Your affectionate Father, C. V. LETTER II. My Dear Henry, Since yon tell me that you have added Linnaeus to your list of friends, and are resolved that he shall be the companion of your future ram¬ bles, I feel happy to have it in my" power to promote the growth of your acquaintance, without further delay. We left him busy in cultivating his lit¬ tle garden, and roaming in search of flowers and insects. He could not have found a mode of life better suited to his age and to his active propensi¬ ties, or better calculated to gratify the inclinations of his enquiring mind. His father promoted these pursuits, as tend¬ ing to keep the boy in health by the exercise they induced him to take. He considered them too as safe and inno¬ cent diversions, which would not inter¬ fere with the acquisition of knowledge on other subjects more important to him in the profession for which he was intended. The parents of Linnaeus had determined that their son should be a clergyman. His father laid the foun¬ dation of his education, by instructing him in the elements of the Latin tongue, geography, &c. He had now nearly completed his tenth year, and his paternal instructer saw the necessity of adopting a more sytematic course of study. He resolved, for this purpose, to send him to the grammar-school in the adjacent town of Wexicoe. . “In 1717* Charles parted from his parents, and his garden, and all his fa¬ vourite haunts in field and wood, and set out for Wexicoe, where he was entered as a scholar. He did nor, in this new situation, relinquish his .former pursuits,: on the contrary, he devoted to them every interval which could be obtained from his school-stu¬ dies. On holidays, no pupil was found so little at home as Linnaeus. In fact, since the truth must be told, he took more delight in gathering and examin¬ ing plants, than in learning his phra¬ seology or writing his themes. Fortu r nately for him, the rector of the school, whose name was Lanmerius, was a lov¬ er of botany : he soon observed the talents exhibited by the young Lin¬ naeus ; and while Charles’s schoolfel¬ lows considered him a vagabond truant, who wasted his time in idle wanderings and useless occupations, the rector formed a high and well- founded opinion of his genius and merits. In this manner he passed seven 28 IFB OP LINNjEUS. years. During this period he had out¬ stripped all his companions as a botan¬ ist and naturalist, but, unfortunately, he had made little proficiency in some of those studies which were intended to qualify him for the sacred calling. In his seventeenth year he left the grammar-school, and was received in the superior college at Wexicoe. Here the deficiencies, before alluded to, be¬ came more obvious ; and the slowness of his progress at length induced some of the professors to complain of him to his father, and to send him home with unfavourable testimonials. His parents were overwhelmed with sorrow and disappointment. Linnaeus, with filial obedience, professed his readiness to pursue the study of divinity, if they still desired it ; but, at the same time, avowed his disinclination, and total un- fitness for the sacred office. They thought it in vain to press the point fur- ther ; and since their son could not become a minister, they saw no re¬ source but to apprentice him to some useful trade, that he might at least have the means of procuring a livelihood, which they beliesjed the study of natu¬ ral history would never secure him. And now, Henry, imagine the poor youth receiving the final decision of his parents to bind him apprentice-to what trade, think you ? Alas ! to that of a cobbler ! It was, indeed, an hon¬ est calling. But only think of the young naturalist, exchanging his wild wanderings for close confinement to a cobbler’s stall ; and- the fragrance of flowers, for the perfume of shoemaker’s From this sad predicament he was rescued by the kindness of Dr. John Bothman, professor of medicine in the college ofWexicoe. This gentleman had been early attracted by the unusual degree of penetration and knowledge evinced by Linnseus ; and when he heard of his father’s determination to remove him from college and bind him to a trade, he hastened to prevent a measure so unfavourable to the happi¬ ness of his young favourite, and so ill suited to his talents. He addressed himself to the father, setting forth his son s diligence, and his peculiar qualifi¬ cations for the study of physic and botany. He entreated him to recon¬ sider the subject, and not to exclude his son from a profession, in which, with his singular talents, he could not lail of success. These encomiums cou not but be highly gratifying to his parents, and probably contributed, as much as the liberal offers of Roth¬ man, to incline them to adopt his plan. This generous friend enforced his argu¬ ments by a proposition too kind and LIFE OF LINtMBUS. 31 well-timed to be refused. He offered to receive the young student into his own house, during the remainder of the scholastic term ; to provide him with every necessary ; and to instruct him himself in the elements of medicine. His parents at length gave their con¬ sent. With great reluctance they had relinquished the fondly-cherished hope of seeing Charles in the church ; and endeavoured to console themselves, by dedicating their second son, Samuel, now in his seventh year, to the sacred office. But Samuel soon began to fol¬ low the example of his brother, and to show that he preferred flowers to hooks of divinity. Alarmed at these symp¬ toms, and fearing lest the love of na¬ ture should again interfere with her wishes, his mother sought to suppress the rising inclination ; and for this end, forbade his gathering flowers, or even entering the garden. She could not. however, eradicate a propensity so deeply implanted in his breast. Al¬ though he finally entered the church, and, afteivthe death of his father, suc¬ ceeded to his living, natural history continued to be his favourite pursuit, and in one branch of it he became em¬ inent as an author. He published a work on bees, which was much approv¬ ed, and which procured for him the ap¬ pellation of Bi-kung, or king of the bees. To return to his illustrious brother. He found in the house of Rothman such advantages as he had never before enjoyed. Hitherto, his only opportu¬ nities for procuring knowledge on the subjects which peculiarly attracted his attention, were the short intervals sto¬ len from other employments, and se¬ cretly devoted to his favourite study. Now he was at liberty to pursue his ca¬ reer, unfettered by other engagements. 33 In addition to the college routine, Rothman gave him instructions in private ; and facilitated his progress still more, by allowing him the use of his well-furnished library, where he found inexhaustible resources. The works of naturalists and men of science were, to the ardent mind of young Lin¬ naeus, as fountains of water springing up in the desert. Joyfully did he drink of the streams of knowledge which they supplied ; and Rothman soon saw his pupil rise far above all his fellow-stu¬ dents in botanical research. The fur¬ ther he advanced, the more he was enamoured by the charms of nature ; and both at Wexicoe,and at his father’s residence, when the recess at college led him there, he continued to add to his collections of plants and insects. In employments so consonant with his inclination, three years passed swift¬ ly away ; and the time approached when he must separate from his kind patron, and leave the college at Wexi- coe for the university. He had much to regret, in quitting the hospitable dwelling of Rothman; but pleasant prospects unfolded before him at the university, and with the buoyant feelings of youthful hope he set out for Lund. Of the two universities of Sweden,Upsal and Lund, the limited fortune of the elder Linnaeus obliged him to fix on Lund. He had there a friend and re¬ lative m professor Humerus, who had promised his support and interest to the young student. It was with a slender purse that Linnaeus began bis journey to Lund. It was not in the power of his parents to advance much for him ; and probably they did not yet think so fa¬ vourably of his plans, as to be willing to promote them to the utmost of their power. But if he had little money, he had an inexhaustible store of spirit and mental energy; and his kinsman, the professor, had promised to be his sup¬ porter and patron. Arrived at Lund, he hastened to pre¬ sent himself to Humerus. But a stun¬ ning blow awaited himhis promised friend was no more, and the last duties had just been paid to his lifeless remains. Disconsolate and distressed he return¬ ed to his lodgings, to lament over the downfall of his hopes. Alone in Lund, without one person to lend him counte¬ nance in the university, and with small means of support, there was now noth¬ ing further to depend on but the indus¬ trious exertion of his own talents; and he therefore prepared himself to make every effort in his power. Solitary and and unfriended, he entered on the pre¬ scribed course of study. Soon, howev¬ er, he attracted the notice of Killian Stobbaeus, professor of physic and bo¬ tany in the University. He was a learn- LINNiEUS. ed and scientific man, and his lectures proved highly valuable to Linnaeus. The professor observed the attention of the young student; and, delighted to behold the rapid progress he made, he began to take him more particu¬ larly under his protection. At length he became acquainted with his indigent condition, which indeed his appearance had led him to suspect. Touched with the sorrows and difficulties of his pupil, like the generous Rothman, he offered him accommodation in his family free of all expence. The proposition was thankfully accepted ; and, with a heart glowing with gratitude, he became an inmate in the house of Stobbams. Here all his love of science was fostered. It was now that he began to keep a regular herbal; a plan, of which he soon discovered the importance. It in¬ duced him to be more diligent in collect¬ ing flowers, and more careful in exam- UFE OF LINNAEUS. 37 ining their internal structure, on which he was hereafter to found his botanical system. Many were the excursions he made to enrich his herbal, and to add to his collection from the animal kingdom. In one of these expeditions he was stung by a venomous worm, not uncommon in Sweden, to w 7 hich he afterwards gave the name of Furia Inf emails. As he was far in the country when the accident happened, the poison affected his whole frame before it was possible to obtain medical aid. To such extremity was he reduced by its effects, that his life was despaired of; but the skill of Stob- baeus saved him. This circumstance, instead 'oFdSfiJping his courage, seem¬ ed rather to serve as a stimulous to prosecute his researches with increas¬ ed ardour. But it was to the vegeta¬ ble world he was the most strongly at- 38 tracted. In the library of Stobbaeus he found an extensive collection of botan¬ ical works. Anxious to read them all, and finding the day did not allow him sufficient leisure, he procured volume after volume by stealth, to study them at night as long as the light of his lamp lasted. Stobbaeus by some means heard of his vigils ; and knowing that his young friend was rather of a convivial turn, it occurred to him that he might pos¬ sibly have been tempted to invite the upper servants into his room to play at cards. He determined to See for him¬ self: resolving to dissuade him from so incorrect and ungentlemanly a prac¬ tice. He accordingly entered the apart¬ ment of Linnaeus at a very late hour. But what was his surprise and delight, to find his young friend, not surrounded by companions unsuited to his education, but entrenched in the works of the greatest botanists, such as Cesalpinus, Bauhines, Tournefort, &c. Charmed with a discovery so satis¬ factory to his feelings, he became more warmly attached than ever to his pu¬ pil; and treated him with increased liberality and kindness. But it is time I brought my letter to a conclusion; and as we leave our hero in a home so much to his taste, I am the more willing to do so. You may ex¬ pect to hear from me as soon as I return from the journey which your brother has told you we have in contemplation. Your ever affectionate Father, C. V. LETTER III. My dear Boy, If the difficulties with which Linnaeus had to struggle, serve to ex¬ cite an additional feeling of interest to¬ wards him, I need not fear that this feeling will decline at present. We left him peaceably pursuing his studies at Lund, under the favourable auspices of professor Stobbaeus. But Linnaeus was not one who would rest contented in the lap of luxury, when the hope of in¬ creasing his knowledge called him to other scenes. The university of Upsal furnished him with such an inducement toquit Lund and his kind protector there. He was well aware that in going thith- er he should draw upon himself a com¬ plete reverse of circumstances; and had every reason to suppose, that he should find himself in nearly as destitute a con¬ dition as he had done at Lund during his early attendance on the university. But every objection of this kind gave way to his love of study: and having ob¬ tained- the consent of his parents, he took his departure from Lund, and reached Upsal in the autumn of 1728: being then little more than one and twenty years of age. His intellectual storcswere increased; but he entered Upsal, as he had enter¬ ed Lund, with a purse scantily filled, and with little skill in the management of his contracted finances. He com¬ menced his studies, however, with great energy; and gave himself little anxiety about the means of support. The pro- lessors under whom he was to study 42 LIP* OP LINNJEBS. were Olaus Rudbeck, and Roberg, both old men. This circumstance, which at first seemed unfavourable for him, prov¬ ed advantageous in several instances, as jou will hereafter see. But for the present, clouds and darkness seemed to rest on his path. The greatest naturalist and botanist in Sweden at that time was Olaus Cel¬ sius ; first professor of divinity, and af¬ terwards head of the chapter of Upsal. Linnaeus had hoped to gain much from the learning and experience of this great man. In this he was at first completely disappointed, as, on arriving at Upsal, he found that Celsius had been called to Stockholm on official business. Ardent and indefatigable as ever, but growing poorer every day, he passed a year in close study. At the expiration of that period he found himself reduced to a deplorable state of poverty • all his money was expended ; he had no hope of a supply from home; nor had he any cheering prospect of future support, to mitigate the feeling of present misery. He found some relief from his distress in the kindness of his fellow-students, to whose tables he was occasionally in- vited. Yet even with the assistance of this casual benevolence, it was not without difficulty that he procured from ay to day the mere necessaries of life. Ihe deficiencies of his wardrobe, were supplied by the cast-off clothes of his more fortunate companions. So great was his poverty, that he could not even porcnase a pair of shoes, and was com¬ pelled to patch those which were given by his acquaintance, with pieces of card stitched in with thread made from the fibres of the bark of trees, in order to enable himself to go out and collect plants: thus putting in practice a branch ofthe very trade to which his father had proposed to bind him. Imagine him, Henry, in this predic¬ ament ; scantily supplied with food and clothing; uncertain even where to¬ morrow’s meal might be found. He does not fold his hands and sit down to sigh over his sorrows. He was too much in earnest in the course he had traced out for himself, to be checked by the first obstacles he met with; nor could “ repre« the noble rage, In the midst of these depressing cir¬ cumstances, he continued his daily re¬ searches, and his nightly studies, with unremitted ardour. He had long sus¬ pected that the botanical theory which then prevailed was very incorrect and unscientific; and, confirmed in this opinion by every observation be made, he revolved in secret that new plan of botanical arrangement which was to displace the long-established system, and form an era in the science of natural history. “ Methigks” says a Swedish writer, « Limueus saw Flora m all her beauties, on a throne ; he saw her holding forth a wreath to crown his head. All nature in her magnificence bade him draw nearer ; but he saw the whole, as it were at an immense distance. He was oblig¬ ed to penetrate the labyrinth of Dmda- lus, to seek the thread which could guide him to the right path, through so many wanderings.” It was indeed a labyrinth he had to tread, both as it regarded his outward affairs, and the difficulties and intricacies with which the errors of those who had preceded him had surrounded his fa¬ vourite science. A less ardent mind might have sunk under the weight of so many opposing circumstances ; but he marched firmly on, though not in¬ sensible to the roughness of his path. He felt hi%trials keenly, whilst he bore them manfully ; and when in a more prosperous period of his life, twelve years afterwards, he entered on the of¬ fice of professor, in his installation- speech he returned public thanks to the Almighty for having so wonderfully supported him under all his difficulties, and eventually relieved him from their pressure. His poverty and distress had risen to the greatest height, when once more the scene brightened. Celsius, whose acquaintance and patronage he so much desired, returned from Stockholm. He soon came to the botanic garden. Linnaeus was there, and Celsius, hearing him describe the plants with peculiar accuracy and intelligence, entered into conversation with him, and quickly dis¬ covered that the young stranger had examined the subject with no common degree of care and attention. Pleased with what he had seen and heard, he made further enquiries about him ; and soon became acquainted with his merits, and with his distresses also. And now another kindly heart was warmed in his favour; and Celsius, as Rothman and Stobbasus had done before, offered him an asylum in his house, where he might pursue his studies free of ex¬ pense. Here, as in the former instan¬ ces, he found a well-stored library, and a kind and intelligent host, willing and able to assist him in all his researches* He had at the same time, the gratifica¬ tion of making himself useful to his pa¬ tron by the help he gave him in prepar¬ ing for the press a work on the trees i and plants mentioned in the Scriptures, on which he had been for some time engaged. Celsius treated his inmate with the tenderness and indulgence of a parent ; and of all the benefactors of Linnaeus, there was not one on whose kindness he dwelt with such fond and grateful affection. Indeed, kindness so well timed, succeeding to so much neg¬ lect and misery, must have been to the heart of Linnaeus like the oil and wine of the good Samaritan. It is difficult to ascertain how long he remained with Celsius ; but proba¬ bly until a more eligible offer was made him, arising out of the following cir¬ cumstances. In the summer of 1730, Linnaeus composed a little treatise on the subject of his favourite study, which, though only in manuscript, attracted considerable attention in the universi¬ ty. Olaus Rudbeck, then professor of botany, heard of this treatise; and hav- ing obtained a sight of it, was (struck with the acuteness of observation it ex¬ hibited. A more intimate acquaintance with the character and attainments of the writer confirmed him in the high opinion he had formed of the young student, and determined him to take him under his immediate patronage. He received him into his house; he advanced him In his academical course; and chose him as his assistant lecturer in the botanic gardens: an office which, at the advanced age of seventy, he found too laborious to discharge alone. It was no slight honour for a young man of three-and-twenty, to be selected as the representative of a ven¬ erable professor. He filled his new of¬ fice with great approbation. The nov¬ elty of his ideas, and his animated style of lecturing, charmed all his hearers ; and the applause he met with produced its effect in stimulating to yet greater industry and exertion. Meanwhile, his plan for reforming the botanical system, was silently advancing ; and he wrote several treatises on the classes and genera of plants, which at a later period were published, and served to diffuse his opinions more widely. His talents were now justly appre¬ ciated by those around him. In the year succeeding that in which he be¬ came lecturer to Rudbeck, he was cho¬ sen by a literary society at Upsal to make a tour of philosophical enquiry in Lapland ; a part of the Swedish do¬ minions which, until that period, had never been explored by a naturalist. Celsius and Rudbeck, who were lead¬ ing members of the above-mentioned association, united in recommending him as the most suitable person for such an undertaking. And now, Henry, I suppose you pic¬ ture to yourself our hero, much delight¬ ed with the prospect of an expedition, which was to give him an opportunity to pursue his researcles in a country hitherto little visited. 'A tour in Lap- land, however, under the circumstances in which Linnaeus undertook it, would have presented little temptation to a less adventurous mind. The perils of the Lulean desert were neither few nor trifling ; and the sum provided to de¬ fray the expenses of the journey, afford¬ ed no means of solacing the difficulties of the traveller by indulgences. The purse presented hint for this purpose, by the society whose mission he was to execute, contained no more than one hundred Swedish platens, drSl dollars, at the utmost. With this sum he trav¬ ersed a wilderness region for six months; and even economized so well as to se¬ cure from it enough to purchase a com- 52 LIFE OP LINN J£US. plete fur-dress. He accepted the pro¬ position of the society, in the autumn of 1731; but as it was vain to think of commencing a journey in Siberia of his country before the Approach of spring, he passed the winter in making preparations, and in visiting his friends at Lund, and his parents, who were now reconciled to his views, and ap¬ proved of his plans. This journey will furnish a subject for my next letter, which you may expect shortly. In the mean time, whenever the map of Sweden meets your eye, it may serve to remind you at once of the “ Swedish sage,” and of Your affectionate Father. C. V. LETTEK IV. < Now then, my dear boy, we will set out on our Lapland tour ; but we must not allow if to take up a great deal of time, as much - of our hero’s history still remains untold.- Linnaeus has described the whole of his equip¬ ments for this journey withjnuch amu¬ sing minuteness of detail; but wheth¬ er from a spirit of dandyism, you must judge from the description of this sin¬ gular travelling costume. He wore a light coat of linsey-woolsey, lined with red shalloon, having a collar an$ cuffs of shag ; leather breeches, a, round OF UNNJSCS. ,54 wig, a green leather cap, and a pair of half-boots. He had a hanger at his side ; and he carried, besides, a small fowling-piece, and an octangular stick, graduated for the purpose of measur¬ ing. His luggage was contained in a small leathern bag ; and consisted of the following articles : one shirt, two half-shirts, two pair of false sleeves, an inkstand, pen-case, microscope, and spying-glass ; a gauze cap, to protect him from gnats ; a comb ; a parcel of paper, stitched together for drying plants ; his journal, and two or three other manuscripts. You will not admire his taste in dress, I dare say ; but you cannot fail to be pleased with the cheerfulness with which he enters on his tour, though so slenderly provided with the means of prosecuting it with ease and conve¬ nience. With his usual mental energy and light-heartedness of feeling, he sets 55 forth, commencing the first day’s record of his journal in the following words, which are written in so pleasant and characteristic a style, that I cannot withhold them from you without injus¬ tice to the writer. “ I set out alone from the city of Upsal, on Friday, May 12th, 1732, at eleven o’clock, being at that time within half a day of five-and- twenty years of age. At this season, Nature wore her most cheerful and de¬ lightful aspect; and Flora celebrated her nuptials with Phoebus. “ Now the winter corn was half a foot in height, and the barley had just shot out its blade. The birch, the elm, and the aspen-tree began to put forth their leaves. The lark was my com- panion all the way, flying before me quavering in the air.” Thus, gay as the bird whose song cheered his path, the traveller passed on : now charmed with the scenery, and now delighted by the discovery of some rare plant or insect. In order to economize as much as possible, he trav¬ elled alone, except where the intrica¬ cies and difficulties of the road made it necessary to have a guide. As he pen¬ etrated into the forest district, and ap¬ proached the Lapland Alps, he found his course impeded by the thick growth of trees, whose intermingled branches presented a barrier, rendered yet more formidable by the prostrate trunks of the largest pine-trees, which recent storms had brought to the ground. Be¬ sides this, the country was intersected in every direction by streams, now greatly swollen, which were to be cross¬ ed, almost at the peril of life, from the ruinous state of the bridges. Some¬ times he had recourse to riding on horseback; but,unfortunately, the steed was often as ill-conditioned as the road : a meagre stumbling animal, accoutred with an unstuffed saddle, and no bri¬ dle ; the place of this last article being supplied by a rope, which was fastened round the under jaw. He had reached the southernmost province of Lapland, called Umea Lapmark, by the end of May ; but the tardy spring had not yet visited that remote district. Every one exhorted him not to persist in prosecuting his journey. He was told it was impossi¬ ble to proceed far in the tract of country to which his course was direct¬ ed, whilst the roads were inundated, and the rivers swollen by the melting of the winter’s snows, as they always are during the summer months. Linnaeus, however, was not to be discouraged; aad having waited awhile for more fa¬ vourable weather, he recommenced bis wanderings. A few solitary huts scat¬ tered over a wide district, were all the human habitations he was likely to meet with. . These were inhabited by a race of poor but contented peasants, who are generally kind and hospitable- Linnseus esteemed himself happy after a day of fatigue and exhaustion, he could reach one of their dwellings, and obtain food and shelter for the night, though both were of the humblest description. The huts were usually filled with smoke, excessively filtby } scented with fish, and infested with tor¬ menting insects. The food chiefly con¬ sisted of fish, and rein-deer’s milk in various forms : bread was a luxury rarely to be met with. Ten years af¬ terwards, alluding to this journey, in a speech he delivered before the univer¬ sity, he protested that he had under- 59 gone more danger and privation in that solitary expedition to the northern fron¬ tier of his native land, than in all Jus subsequent travels in foreign countries* I have omitted to mention one ac¬ commodation to which he had recourse, in the use of a boat wherever the rivers were navigable. The natives, an ac¬ tive and hardy race, glide down their streams in small light boats, until they reach a part where their course is in r tenupted by rocks or falls,, where the rapidity of the stream renders it unsafe to proceed. When the Laplander reaches such a spot, he lands, drags the little vessel to shore, and placing the two oars longitudinally, so as to cross the seat, turns it bottom upwards over his head ; the oars resting on his arms, and enabling him to carry it steadily. Thus equipped, he marches over hill and dale at a swift pace, ap¬ parently quite unencumbered by the burden. Whenever it was necessary for the guide to adopt this plan, Lin¬ naeus was of course obliged to take charge of his own luggage, which, light as it was, added to his toils. It should be recollected, too, that he w 7 as in a country where the protracted day¬ light tempts the traveller to proceed on his journey through many hours of the night, as well as the day, until his declining strength warns him to pursue more prudent measures.* * The light of what is termed the “ midnight stm,” in countries approaching die North Pole, new and delightful as it is to thipmore southern journey through the night, till he adds to the usual fatigues of travelling, exhaustion from want of proper rest. Dr. Clarke has given an which himself and his fellow-traveller gave themselves up to the enjoyment of this protrac¬ ted day-light, in those very districts through which Linnaeus passed. They could not resist After himself and his guide had pass¬ ed some days and greater part of the night, traversing on foot the worst roads imaginable, and wading through marshes often in the most violent storms of wind and rain, they found themselves, early one morning, on firm ground once more ; but with no human habi¬ tation in view, nor any track by which they might direct their course. They kindled a fixe ; and Linnaeus, perfectly the pleasure of travelling on, night after night, beneath a light so new and beautiful, until they began to feel the painful consequences of over- exertion, added to the oppressive effects of con¬ tinued day-lighton their eyes. “ It could not be called twilight,” observes Dr. C. “ it was rather the glare of noon ,* being reflected so strongly from the walls and houses, that it was painful had never felt before, that darkness is one of those benevolent gifts of Providence, the value come sensible of when it ceases altogether to OF LINNjEUS. exhausted by fatigue, after wringing some of the wet from his garments, lay down, hoping to obtain some refresh¬ ing yepose ; but the gnats, which are particularly tormenting in that coun¬ try, and the cold north wind which blew around him, chased sleep froth his eyes. Meantime, his more hardy com¬ panion went in search of another guide; and the traveller left alone, dispirited and exhausted in this desolate region, j, return. There were no shutters to the win¬ dows ; and the continued Maze which surroun¬ ded us we would gladly have dispensed with, if it had been possible. When we closed our eyes, they seemed to be still open : we even bound over our handkerchiefs; but a remain¬ ing impression of brightness, like a shining light, wearied and oppressed them. To this inconvenience we were afterwards more expo¬ sed ; and although use rendered us somewhat less affected by it, it was an evil of which we all complained ; and we hailed the returning gloom of autumn as a blessing and a comfort.” Pr. Clarke's Travels in Scandinavia v\ began to lament that he had ever com¬ menced a journey so hazardous and toilsome. He even thought it probable that his former companion, unable to retrace his steps exactly, might never find him; and in this case he must ex- pir#from fatigue and want of food, and inability to proceed alone in search pf a human dwelling. At length, however, his guide re¬ turned, and with him a most extraor¬ dinary-looking person, whose appear¬ ance was such, that he was at first doubtful whether it was man or woman he beheld. It was in fact a woman of most unprepossessing aspect. She was very diminutive in stature; her face and neck were so shrivelled and em¬ browned, by living constantly in the smoke of a Lapland hut, as to resemble the skin of a toad rather than that of a human being; the hue of, her dark sparkling eyes seemed deepened by the LIFE OF LINN-ECS. shade of her black eye-brows; and her long black hair hung in loose and wild confusion about her face. On her head she wore a flat red cap; a kind of tip¬ pet, two grey jackets, a petticoat of the same colour, fastened by a girdle round the waist, and a pair of half¬ boots, completed her costume. But if this untutored daughter of the Lapland wilderness had nothing in her appear¬ ance to attract admiration, she posses¬ sed a kindly heart, and was touched with compassion nt the forlorn appear¬ ance of the traveller. “Oh! thou poor man!” she exclaimed, “what hard des¬ tiny can have brought thee hither, to a place never visited by any one before ? This is the first time I ever beheld a stranger. Thou miserable ‘ creature! how didst thou come, and whither wilt thou go ?” He entreaied her to direct him how to continue his journey, with- 65 out returning by tbe perilous road he had so recently passed. “ Nay, man,” said she, “ thou hast only to go the same way back again ; for the river overflows so much, it is not possible for thee to proceed further in this direction. From us, thou hast no assistance to expect in the prosecu¬ tion of thy journey ; as my husband, who might have helped thee, is ill. Thou mayst enquire for our next neigh¬ bour, who lives about a mile off, and, perhaps, if thou shattldst meet with him, he may give thee some assistance; but 1 really believe it will scarcely be in his power.” He enquired the dis¬ tance to Sorsele. u That we do not know,” she replied; “ but in the pres¬ ent state of the roads, it must be at least seven days journey, as my hus¬ band has informed me.” He was greatly in want of food ,* but UNNJ1US. she had nothing with her, except a sin¬ gle fresh fish, as she called it, which was literally alive with maggots. The sight of it was so disgusting to Linnaeus, as to take away all desire to touch it. He asked if she could not furnish him with some dried rein-deers tongues. She had none. Had she no rein-deer cheese ? “ Yes, hut it is a mile off,” was the discouraging answer. “If it were here* would you allow me to buy some ?” he enquired, knowing that their very scanty supply of food made them sometimes unwilling to part with any, even at a high price. The good woman replied, “ I have no desire that thou shouldst die in my country for want of food.” She then undertook to show them a path, by which they might avoid some part of the road they had passed in coming; and having led them to her hut in the forest, she sold them one of 67 the three cheeses she possessed. They then took their leave of her, and pur¬ sued their way; Linnaeus inwardly re¬ solving that he never would again visit so deplorable a spot. In the midst of the difficulties of his route, the spirit of investigation did not desert him; and he continued to make minute observa¬ tions on birds, insects, and flowers. And here I must remind you, that, far from magnifying the toils of the way, or dwelling on passing incon¬ veniences, the joy ous feelings of a heart gratefully alive to every advantage, break out continually in the simple jour¬ nal which ho has left us of this tour. On the 24th of June, a few weeks . after the above adventure, he writes : “ Midsummer Day.—Blessed be the Lord for the beauty of summer and spring; and for what is here in greater perfection than almost any where else in the world—the air, the water, the 60 life or LINNJSE9. verdure of the herbage, and the song of birds.” In another place, after ascending and descending some of the Lapland alps, he says, “When we arrived at the plains below, how gratefid was the transition from a chill and frozen mountain, to a warm and balmy valley t I sat down to regale myself with strawberries. In¬ stead of ice and snow, I was surround¬ ed with vegetation in all its prime. Instead of the blustering wind so lately experienced, soft gales wafted around us .the grateful scent of clover and va¬ rious other plants. In the earlier part of my journey, I had experienced a long-continued spring, whose steps I pursued as I ascended the Lapland hills; then unremitting winter and eternal snow surrounded me: summer at length was truly welcome. Oh! how most lovely of all is summer here!” It was in speaking of this very tour that he afterwards declared, that, hav¬ ing once sustained the toils of travel¬ ling, he buried in oblivion all the dan¬ gers and difficulties he had encountered, and considered the invaluable fruits he had reaped from his excursion a full compensation for every toil. At Upsal he had chosen the motto, Tantus amor Florum , (thus great is the love of flowers,) and never did any body select for himself a more appropriate one. * “ Surely,” says a Sweedish writer, “he must be a faithful lover of Flora, who suffers so much in her service, and is contented with a favourable smile of his beloved one; as Linnams was with a plant growing on the brink of some steep waterfall, to which he climbed at the peril of his life ; or with some unknown moss, concealed in pro¬ found caverns or clefts of the rock.” Having completed his tour, which he extended to the alpine hills separating 70 LTFB OP LINNJBU9. Norway from Sweden, and from thence to the shores of the Frozen Sea, he returned to Upsal in the autumn. The object of the expedition was found to he completely fulfilled. Although Lapland is a country poor in plants, Lirraasus discovered upwards of a hundred, which were either en¬ tirely unknown or undescribed before. Birds and insects, likewise, were added to his list, and their peculiarities mi¬ nutely marked. At the same time, the manners and customs of the people were recorded with an accuracy before un¬ known. The Royal Academy of Sci¬ ence received his report very favoura¬ bly, and inserted it in the annals of their transactions. As an additional proof of their esteem, they enrolled him a member of their body. Thus, some increase of knowledge acquired m his travels, and the honour of being elected an academician, were the only rewards he obtained. The termination of the tour brings my letter also to a conclu¬ sion. For the present, therefore, I take my leave of you ; and wishing you all success in your botanical researches, I am, as ever, Your affectionate Father, C.V. letter v. My dear Hihry, The honours earned by tne naturalist in his late tour, raised up a hitter enemy in a young student of the name of Rosen : so truly does envy follow merit. Linnaeus had not taken his degree, and was therefore excluded by ah old law of the university from the advantage of delivering public lec¬ tures. This restriction would not have been enforced in his case, but for the unfriendly offices of Rosen; who, hav¬ ing been chosen anatomical and med- icid professor, looked upon Linnteus as a formidable rival, and resolved to crush him if possible. Unfortunately, he took his measures so well, as to succeed in obtaining a decree, forbidding the offending lecturer to proceed in his un¬ dertaking. This stroke seemed, for a time, a death-blow to the hopes of Linnmus ; as his only means of support was the profit arising from his lectures. Borne away by the violence of his feelings, he followed Rosen, as he left the senate- house after the decree had passed, and drawing his sword, would have run him through the body, had not -the. by¬ standers interfered, and wrested the weapon from the infuriated student. This violent assault was not likely to pass unnoticed ; and Rosen laid a com¬ plaint against bis rival, for so gross a violation of the public peace. He was near obtaining a decree of proscription against the offender, which would have prevented Ids ever appearing again at 74 LIFE OF UNN^US. Upsal. The friends and protectors of Linnaeus, with Celsius at their head, warded offthisbiow,and he was spared from any legal punishment. His re¬ vengeful feelings, however, took such complete possession of his mind, that he was for a long time in a wretched state of mental tumult. At length, awaking once at mid¬ night, he was suddenly struck with horror and consternation, under a sense of his sinfulness in harbouring these wrathful and malevolent passions in his heart; and he proved the sincerity of his repentance by seeking to overcome them, and by abandoning his vindic¬ tive projects. The tempest of his mind was happi¬ ly calmed, but his external circum¬ stances were as unpromising as ever. He was, as we before observed, unable to proceed in lecturing, unless he fh st obtained a degree. This could not be done, without incurring expenses such as his slender means would not allow him to risk. His friends endeavour¬ ed to obtain for him an office in the university of Lund, from which he might derive some emolument; but their efforts in his favour failed of success. His case now seemed almost hope¬ less: indeed there appeared no way of extricating himself. But the ardour of his . mind and the buoyancy of his spirits did not forsake him. He met his difficulties without murmuring or dismay, ancLstifl looked forward hope¬ fully to brighter days. Many of his former pupils witnessed his trials with concern; and the patience and forti¬ tude with which he bore them, raised him yet higher in their esteem. Affairs had remained in this state some months, when several of these young men resolved to make a minera- logical excursioirin the mountainous districts of the kingdom ; and invited Linnaeus to become their guide and in¬ structed You may believe it was no unwelcome proposition to him. A sci¬ entific tour, in company with those who had learned to love and esteem him, could not fail to be very agreeable ; at the 'same time that the temporary as¬ sistance it afforded him in a pecuniary point of view, was worth his consid¬ eration. V. They travelled together into Dale- carlia. At Fahlun, the capital of that province, they were introduced to baron ReuteTholm. This nobleman was gov¬ ernor of the province, and director of the rich copper-mines in that neigh¬ bourhood. He was passionately fond of the study of natural history ; and occupied his leisure in scientific re¬ searches. He was struck at once with the uncommon talents of Linnaeus; and the acquaintance thus begun, ripened into a warm friendship, which became the source of important events in after- life. He seems to have waited but a short time, after fulfilling his engagement with his Upsal friends, before this new friend furnished him with employment. The baron had two sons, whom he was. desirous to send on a scientific tour to explore the mines in Norway, as well as to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with those in the province of Dalecarlia. He fixed on Linnaeus as their travelling tutor. Several other young men joined the party ; and they had a pleasant and interesting journey. Each ,of the young travellers fixed on some particular branch of mineralogical knowledge, which he was more espe¬ cially, to study ; and they all returned home, highly satisfied with their expe- dition and with the information they had obtained. This tour completed, Linnaeus had again to consider what plan he should adopt. At Upsal, it was quite certain he conkl not succeed under existing circumstances : he therefore determin¬ ed to fix himself for a time at Fahlun. Here he took popils, and delivered lec¬ tures. He had a sufficient number of pupils to answer his present purpose ; and his lectures attracted much atten¬ tion, especially those on mineralogy ; the mines in the neighbourhood render¬ ing this subject particularly interesting to the inhabitants. As yet, his labours did not procure him any great increase of wealth : bat a little Satisfied him ; and here, as in other places, he acquir- | ed fresh fame by his talents ; while, by his good conduct and amiable manners, he added to the number of his friends. But amongst his newly formed ac- quaintance at Fahlun, there was one individual who possessed more attrac¬ tions for him than all others. Tliis was a young lady,, the daughter of a physi¬ cian of the name of Moraeus. In a letter to his friend, the celebrated baron Haller, he has detailed some of the cir¬ cumstances of this connexion. After informing his friend that he had settled at Fahlun, and commenced lecturer, he proceeds :—“ The physi¬ cian of that place passed for a rich man : considering the poverty of the province, he might justly be deemed opulent. His name was Moraeus. He was eminent for his learning and skill: physic, especially practical medicine, was the science which he esteemed and preferred above all others. He grew fond of me : I visited him frequently, and always met with an amicable re¬ ception. He had two daughters. Sa¬ rah Elizabeth, the eldest, was a beau- 80 ; OF WNNJ5US. tiftil girl: a certain baron had paid his addresses to her without success. I saw her ; was amazed, smitten, and fell in love. My caresses and represen¬ tations won her heart. She promised her consent, and vowed to be mine. But as a poor young man, I was much perplexed to ask her of her father. At last I ventured. Moreens consented, and refused. He loved me, but not my uncertain and adverse fate. He finally declared that his daughter should remain unmarried three years longer, and at the expiration of that time, he would give his ultimate decision.” It appears that Moraeus thought, as the father of Linnaeus had done, that botanical and mineralogical studies were little likely to secure fortune , whatever fame might await the student. He therefore advised him to apply himself more completely to the study of practi¬ cal medicine, and urged him to procure a doctor’s degree. Want of money ren¬ dered it impossible for him to take the necessary steps for securing this advan- tage. He made every effort to save a sum sufficient, from the profits his pupils afforded him. But these were so little beyond wbat was- required to supply his daily necessities, that it would have been very long indeed before he had econ¬ omized enough; and he must still have remained unable to go in search of his degree, had he not been assisted by his Elizabeth. Out of the stipend allowed her by her father, she economized so much as to lay by a hundred dollars. This sum she gave her lover, to aid him in an un¬ dertaking ia which they were both so much interested. This, and the fruits of his own labour, furnished a stock, sufficiently limited indeed, but large enough to Justify his entering on the undertaking. At this time, it was the custom of the Swedes to travel into foreign coun¬ tries to take their degrees. Holland was the country most in repute with medical students; and there the Swe¬ dish physicians generally graduated. Among the Dutch universities, that of Harderwyck was the least expensive, and therefore best suited to 'the strait¬ ened finances of Linnaeus. The following spring, he set out on his travels ; and after- various adven¬ tures, reached Harderwyck.; where he succeeded in obtaining a degree, in June, 1735, being then in his twenty- eighth year. His talents and acquirements ought certainty to have secured him this hon¬ our at a much earlier period. The great business of his journey was now completed; but he was unwilling to return home, without reaping some further advantage from his travels. 83 LIFE OF UNNjEIFS. From Harderwyck he passed on to Leyden. Taking up his abode there for some time, he formed an acquain¬ tance with many celebrated scientific men; and, encouraged by their appro¬ bation of his views, published his first work, the Systema Natures. Among the advantages arising from the publication of this volume, it served to draw on him the notice of the great physician and botanist, Boerhaave; at that time so celebrated a person, as to have received a letter from China with this address simply, “ a Pillustre Boer- haave, Medecin en Europe.” So numerous and important were the visiters of various nations who sought his acquaintance, that he bad often as crowded a levee as if he had held a little court; and ambassadors, princes, and even so powerful a monarch as Peter the Great, had been obliged to wait several hours in his antichamber before they could obtain admittance. Linnaeus, therefore, esteemed him¬ self particularly fortunate when he had received an invitation from Boerhaave ; who, haring read his work, had be¬ come eager to make acquaintance with an author whose views, on a subject he had long studied, were so new and striking. Linnaeus presented himself at the hour appointed ; and the con¬ versation which followed raised him still higher in the estimation of the ven¬ erable Boerhaave, who was delighted with the * talents and acquirements of } the'young physician. This introduction was productive of most important consequences. Boer¬ haave advised him not to quit Holland ; ^ assuring him that his talents could not fail of receiving their doe reward in that country. Linnaeus, however, found his little stock of money reduced too low, to allow of any jggolonged stay. He proceeded, therefor^ to Am¬ sterdam ; intending from thence to em¬ bark for fSweden, and by this means return home iit the least possible- ex¬ pense. But here the friendship of Boerhaave came to his aid. He hacflgiven Lin- nasOs a letter of introduction to John Barmair; professor of botany at Am¬ sterdam* This secured* to him a fjqgndly receptibfr fronxBurman * itoho, on’lis part/was as rnbcbr,pleased with the northern ' student as Ids friend had b een. He was at that time overwhelm¬ ed with business^ and was particularly earnest to completed Ascription of the plants found in the island of Ceylon ; a #ork which had for some time been on his hands. He quickly per¬ ceived hqjjpr useful such an assistant as Linnaeus would be, in the prosecution of Jus undertaking. At tlie conclusion of a long botanical conversation he said, “ Will yon help me in my Cey¬ lon .collection ? Will yob, and can you^stay at Amsterdam The trav¬ eller franldy confessed that his poverty rendered long residence in Amster¬ dam ^possible, however agreeable it might be*to his inclrnatiodb: and that he wasmider the. necessity offffbceed- ing homek.with as little delay* and at as little expense, asr^possihle. This difficulty Burman instahtly remoVisd, by assuring him that, if he consented to s|ay, he would gladly receive him as sm inmate in his house, free of aH charge. ; .. As he had no settled plans, or cer- tain prospects of success in- Sweden, pt seemed advisable to accept the pres¬ ent offer ; sinceit might hereafter lead ito something more eligible. His situ- ation at Burman’s gave him, valuable opportunities of increasing bis knowl¬ edge ; and under the roof of his new frienti, occupied with pursuits so Thus, the “ boast of heraldry” prov¬ ed truly a fleeting honour in the family; of Linnaeus. But his fame rested not on so frail a basis. Few persons, com¬ paratively, are aware that he ever at¬ tained to the rank of nobility; but in every civilized country, multitudes are familiar with his name, as a naturalist and man of science. In fact, his me¬ morial is found wherever the green earth spreads abroad her treasures. I rejoice to hear you pursue your bo¬ tanical researches with so much ener¬ gy ; as, besides the advantages here¬ after to be derived from the study, the pleasure k will afford you, even in the present moment, will more than com- 126 pensate for any'exertion you may have to make. | Ellen, who is sitting by me, has just said, “Papa, there are Handel com¬ memorations ; and many other great men'have had honours paid to their ^memory in the same way : wliy should not we have a Linnaeus’s commemora¬ tion ?” “Well, my dear Ellen,” I replied, “ we will have one, since you wish it.” Time and place, however, we ^ ve nD * fixed on. What say you, Henry, to the 3d of May, as the anniversary of the birth-day of Linnaeus ? But I shall leave you to talk over the affair with your sister, when you meet; which I trust you will do next week. .... We are alt impatient to see you; and no one more so, than ||i> , Your affectionate father, C. Vernon*