119 
whose loss I shall ever most sincerely regret as a 
friend, as well as a lover of natural history. I con- 
gratulate you on this acquisition, not merely as per- 
suaded that those excellent men will find in you an 
able as well as faithful editor and commentator, but 
as an Englishman, who feels a degree of honour 
given to himself, in finding that one of his country- 
men, animated by a love of science, has had the 
spirit to make the purchase, and to import into his 
own country so valuable a collection. But the same 
information adds that very great offers have been 
‘made to you from France. L’Heritier and Brous- 
sonet I much esteem, and I remember with pleasure 
the civilities I received from several other naturalists 
of that nation; but I must here confess myself so 
far national, as to wish that the valuable treasure 
which you are become the possessor of should not 
go out of this kingdom. If Parliament should not 
think proper to add it, with your permission, to our 
national museum, I flatter myself private individuals 
will be found to form a subscription, which may 
enable you to resist the influence which any liberal 
offers from France may have upon you. 
I remain, with much esteem, 
Your old fellow-student, &c. 
JONATHAN STOKES. 
P.S. If you meet with a letter of mine to young 
Linné may I ask you to return it. 
If your private fortune should not permit you to 
keep the whole, and you should be induced to dis- 
