Linncean Society. 411 



cheerfulness and amiability of disposition for which he was distin- 

 guished. 



Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., F.R.S., President of the Horticul- 

 tural Society. — One of the most original, ingenious, and eminent of 

 vegetable physiologists, and distinguished equally as a horticulturist. 

 He had been a member of this society for thirty-one years, but only 

 contributed two papers to its Transactions, one on the Variegation 

 of Plants in 1808, and the other on the different species of esculent 

 Strawberries in 1817. 



The important results of Mr. Knight's labours are to be found in 

 the Transactions of the Royal Society and in those of the Horticul- 

 tural Society, and in the gardens and orchards of this country. It 

 is to be regretted that his papers scattered through the extensive vo- 

 lumes of these Societies have never been collected and published in 

 a more accessible form; for however speculative many of the opinions 

 and views of the physiologist are, the facts elicited by the ingenious 

 experiments of Mr. Knight must always be valuable, and his reputa- 

 tion has perhaps never been duly appreciated out of his own country. 

 His labours were directed not only to the advancement of vegetable 

 physiology, but to useful practical results ; and in the interesting la- 

 bours of the garden, orchard, and forest, the practical man has found 

 sagacious and useful explanations and directions in the writings of 

 Mr. Knight for his guidance. 



It would be impossible to do justice to his memory in the brief 

 notice of our deceased members that is usual on this occasion. The 

 best tribute to his worth is the universal regret that his death, in his 

 80th year, has excited, and the respect in which he is spoken of, and 

 the feeling that prevails of the hopelessness of finding any one to 

 supply the vacancy he has made in the ranks of science. Whether 

 we regard him as the intimate friend and associate of the venerable 

 Banks, Sir J. E. Smith, and others who have gone from amongst us, 

 as the persevering and ingenious investigator of the laws of nature, 

 or as the enlightened and benevolent country-gentleman like Evelyn, 

 devoting his means, his talents, and leisure to the good of his coun- 

 try, or as the kind landlord endeared to a large and happy tenantry, 

 he is equally an object of our admiration and respect; and I have the 

 less regret at my inability to render the honour that is due to his 

 memory, because I am assured that a life so excellent cannot close 

 without a due tribute to it being paid by some one who is capable of 

 detailing its labours and holding it up to the imitation of others. 

 Peter Rainier, Esq. 

 Matthias A. Robinson, Esq. 

 Sir JohnDeas Thomson, K.C.H., F.R.S. 



