44 MEMOIR OP DRURY. 



ing them up. Does not this look well ? Perhaps 

 I may be able to transport, in due time, some insects 

 from the African coast to the Queen's closet. I wish 

 for the sake of H. S. I may be able to do it. Lord ! 

 how I should rejoice to see him made Butterfly- 

 catcher to the Queen ! Risum teneatis ? But softly, 

 Dru ; where are you rambling to ? Get firm upon 

 the first step before you attempt to mount the 

 second. True ; so I will, and therefore I will stop 

 here." * * * * 



A young man from Sweden was subsequently 

 sent to assist Mr. Smeathman, fitted out entirely at 

 the expense of Dr. Fothergill, who was desirous 

 that he should principally occupy himself in collect- 

 ing plants and seeds; but he proved of no use. 

 Smeathman transmitted to his subscribers a great 

 number of fine insects, many of which were new ; 

 and, in fact, his contributions form by far the most 

 valuable part of Drury's third volume of Illustra- 

 tions, not a few of the species continuing unique 

 even to the present day. The sense that Drury 

 entertained of their value may be inferred from the 

 following note to the Duchess of Portland. 



" To the Dowager Duchess of Portland. 



" May it please your Grace, 

 " The last time you did me the honour of a visit, 

 you seemed desirous of being a subscriber to Mr. 

 Smeathman, who is now on the coast of Africa col- 

 lecting the Naturalia of that country. I take the 



