) 



LINN^US. 91 



answer to another, who importuned him in the 

 same manner. It was evident that he was never 

 so much at home, so entirely happy, as in his 

 garden, and while searching into the secrets and 

 hidden properties and workings of nature. Hence 

 he reckoned it among the choicest favours vouch- 

 safed him by Providence, that he had been " in- 

 spired with an inclination for science so passionate, 

 as to become the source of highest delight to him." 

 His diligence and minute observation were con- 

 tinually adding to his knowledge, and imparting 

 some fresh light in the study he loved. Indeed, after 

 mentioning with evident satisfaction the honours 

 showed him, Linnaeus somewhat significantly, and 

 very curtly, adds, "Thus was he obliged to be a 

 courtier, contrary to his inclination." From his 

 own account of his personal appearance we learn 

 that he was a little below the standard height, and 

 of a strong and compact figure. He rather stooped 

 in walking, having contracted this habit from the 

 frequent examination of plants and other objects. 

 His head was large, and a good deal raised behind, 

 and there was a wart on the side of his cheek. 

 His hair was of a dark brown, till silvered by age, 

 when his brow became much furrowed and wrinkled. 

 His eyes were brown, bright and piercing, and his 

 sight exceedingly keen. His ear, too, was very 

 acute, and quick in catching every sound, except 

 that of music, in which he took no delight. 



His natural temperament, he tells us, was viva- 

 cious ; prompt to joy, sorrow, and anger, but the 



