THOMAS ANDREW KNIGHT, ESQ. 19 



cattle by Lord Scudamore, who died in 1671, to whom the 

 orchards of Herefordshire were also indebted for the introduc- 

 tion of many of their best apples. 



An agricultural society was established in Herefordshire in 

 1 797, in the formation of which Mr. Knight took an active part ; 

 and to the end of his life he was almost invariably present at 

 its annual show. Both here and at Smithfield his cattle 

 frequently obtained prizes, and, in his usual liberal spirit., he,, 

 on several occasions, offered premiums at Hereford for objects 

 that he considered of importance to the farming interests. 



In the year 1802, a Mr. Davidson was sent to England, by 

 order of the Emperor of Russia, to procure some of the improved 

 breed of cattle and sheep for the Imperial farm ; and he was 

 recommended by Sir Joseph Banks to Mr. Knight, through 

 whose means a selection was made from the stock of other cele- 

 brated breeders, as well as his own, but for which he would not 

 allow more than the market price to be charged. This com- 

 mission was executed so much to the Emperor's satisfaction, 

 that on Mr. Davidson's return to St. Petersburgh, the following 

 letter was received by Mr. Knight : 



" St. Peterslurgh, fall January, 1803. 

 c; SIR : 



" On his arrival here, Mr. Davidson having represented the 

 many civilities and attentions he had received from you while 

 purchasing sheep and cattle for the Emperor, and also the very 

 liberal and handsome manner in which you had parted with a 

 heifer and several of your valuable flock of sheep, and procured 

 others for him from your neighbours, I am directed by his 

 imperial majesty to thank you, in the warmest manner, for the 

 favours thus conferred upon him : he, at the same time, requests 

 you will have the goodness to thank Mr. Martin and Mr. 

 Steward for their kindness. Should there be anything of the 

 same nature in his dominions which you might imagine could 

 be of the least service to you, he will think himself happy in 

 any opportunity you may afford him of returning the obligation. 



c 2 



