296 THROUGH THE FIELDS WITH LINN&US 



opportunity of manifesting his skill in the science and 

 history of botany. Boerhaave, observing this, advised 

 him not to leave Holland immediately, as he had 

 intended, but, on the contrary, to take up his abode 

 there. Linnaeus admitted he had not the means of 

 remaining a single day longer. As Carl proposed 

 passing through Amsterdam on his way home, Boer- 

 haave, who wished to serve him, gave him a warm 

 letter of recommendation to his pupil, Professor John 

 Burmann, and desired him to present it with his com- 

 pliments. 



This altered the aspect of affairs : Carl's third visit to 

 Professor Burmann was no failure. Next day Linnaeus 

 called to see the professor, who personally conducted 

 him over his collection, asking him which particular 

 plants he wished to inspect. 



' Which of my plants do you wish to examine?' 

 1 The greatest number, and even all of them,' said Carl, 

 ' but I do not know which plants you possess.' l 



The botanic garden of Amsterdam, formerly so 

 celebrated, is now scarcely worth the notice of an 

 English botanist. It is, however, neatly kept, and con- 

 tains some good specimens. The Dutch in general seem 

 still to retain that extravagant rage for buying rarities 

 at an exorbitant price, for which they have long been 

 famous. 2 A fine street in Amsterdam, leading to the 

 botanical garden quarter, is named the Linnaeus Street, 

 and a mile beyond the Muiderport is the Linnaeus 

 1 Diary. 2 Sir J. E. Smith. 



