16 
“T then first comprehended the nature of syste- 
matic arrangement, and the Linnean principles; little 
aware, that, a¢ that instant, the world was losing the 
great genius who was to be my future guide; for Lin- 
nus died on the night of January the 11th, 1778.” 
In an age of astrologic faith, such a coincidence 
would have excited superstitious reflections, and the 
polar star of the great northern philosopher might 
have been supposed to shed its dying influence on 
his young disciple. 
It was his father’s intention to train his son to 
merchandise, with a design of his engaging in the 
importation of raw silk; but the thoughts of trade 
never satisfied him, and he passed some years in 
doubts and wishes that kept him from repose and 
enjoyment. 
As an inclination for science unfolded itself, he 
formed connections more congenial to him; anda 
few of these, who knew his wishes, strongly urged 
his father to offer him a more suitable object. 
Among the friends whom a love of botany pro- 
cured him, must be mentioned the late James Crowe, 
Esq. of Lakenham, to whose constant attachment 
and friendship Sir James was indebted for much of 
the choicest social happiness he enjoyed in his sub- 
sequent residence in his native town. Mr. Crowe 
died in 1807, and on that occasion his friend drew 
up a short memoir of him, of which the following is 
apart. “He had,” says his biographer, “for nearly 
thirty years past studied the botany of Britain with 
indefatigable zeal, and with peculiar success. A 
penetrating eye, and no less sagacious and discrimi- 
