134 
England; the principal amusement going in sledges, 
everybody wrapped up in furs.—I shall be very 
happy to hear from you. 
I am, dear Sir, with much respect, 
Your sincere Friend, 
J. SIBTHORP. 
The most devoted friend to natural science, and 
one most personally attached to Sir James, was the 
late Bishop of Carlisle. The following 1s a passage 
from the very first letter he appears to have written 
to him, and is dated January, 1785. 
‘«‘ Natural history is to me an object of perpe- 
tual pleasure; and whatsoever, therefore, you will 
be pleased to lay by for me will not be thrown 
away upon one who is insensible of the trouble 
(I have propria persond collected and dried full 
3000 specimens) or value of collecting specimens 
of plants. Other branches also of natural history 
have been my study. ; 
“ Your noble purchase of the Linnean cabinet 
most decidedly sets Britain above all other nations 
in the Botanical Empire; and it were much to be 
wished that the studies of individuals with respect 
to the science at large would become so animated 
and so successful, that she might be induced to fx 
her seat amongst us.” 
On the 21st of February 1785, Sir James informs 
his father, “ I take the chair this evening in the 
