40 MEMOIR OF 



or the Contemplative Man's Recreation .'* London, 

 1653, small octavo ; and a work published by John 

 Earl of Bute, of which his Lordship printed only 

 sixteen copies for private distribution. It is entitled 

 " Botanical Tables, containing the different Fami- 

 lies of British Plants, distinguished by a few 

 obvious parts of fructification, ranged in a synop- 

 tical method ; some observations on the terms 

 employed in Botany, and particularly on those 

 borrowed from the anatomical descriptions of 

 animals; and a glossary explaining botanical 

 terms, with numerous figures." 9 vols. 4to. 



While thus in the enjoyment of wealth, rank, 

 fame, literary society, and the personal esteem 

 of his sovereign, a circumstance occurred that 

 had nearly occasioned him to forfeit the latter, 

 and which also deeply offended many of his 

 friends in the Royal Society. In January, 

 1802, the National Institute of France having 

 been new modelled, elected and placed him at 

 the head of their Foreign Associates, a compli- 

 ment the greater, that their number was limited 

 to eight. Sir Joseph naturally felt proud of the 

 honour, and expressed his gratitude in the follow- 

 ing letter : 



*' London, January 21, 1802. 



" Citizens, — Be pleased to offer to the National 

 Institute my warmest thanks for the honour they 



