MEMOIR OF LINN^US. 



mentlations of his pi'eceptors extended only to his ability for some 

 manual cmiiloyment ; and that further expense in forcing a learned 

 education would be comparatively thrown away. 



At this time it was thought necessary that Linnaeus should 

 complete his education at some university ; and, upon applying at 

 the Gymnasium, he received the following metaphorical testimonial, 

 which will show the little esteem in which his qualifications as a 

 scholar were held, and is a curious example of the manner in 

 which the professors worded their certificates : " Youth at school, 

 might be compared to shrubs in a garden, which will sometimes, 

 though rarely, elude all the care of the gardener; but, if trans- 

 planted into a different soil, may become fruitful trees. With this 

 view, therefore, and no other, the bearer was sent to the univer- 

 sity, where it was possible that he might meet with a climate pro- 

 pitious to his progress." , 



With this certificate he proceeded to the university of Lund, 

 and only procured admittance by the interest of his old jireceptor, 

 Hok, who withheld the testimonial, and introduced him as his pri- 

 vate pupil. 



The next summer's vacation was spent with his parents at 

 Smaland. Here he again met with Dr. Rothman, who advised 

 him to remove to Upsala, where he would derive greater advan- 

 tages from the celebrated Professors Rudbeck and Roberg, than 

 in the more limited university of Lund ; and would also have 

 access to a rich public library, and extensive botanic garden. 

 Linnaeus followed the advice of his former patron ; but his parents 

 were only able to allow him about eight pounds sterling to defray 

 all his expenses ; and after a short time he found himself almost 

 without the means of gaining a livelihood, uncertain where to ob- 

 tain a meal, and obliged to patch his shoes with folded paper, 

 instead of sending them to a shoemaker. He regretted his de- 

 parture from a kind and hospitable roof, but did not possess the 



