f)G MEMOIR OF LINN^US. 



himself. And it was in this same year that he 

 received the first fatal warning that the termina- 

 tion of his earthly career was near at hand. While 

 he gave a summer lecture in the botanical garden, he 

 had an apoplectic stroke, and fell into a swoon, from 

 which he did not for a long time recover. From this 

 period he declined gradually, and he felt his own 

 weakness. Pennant had written to him to fulfil his 

 promise of writing the natural history of Lapland, but 

 he answered, te that it would now be too late for him 

 to begin." * 



" Me quoque debilitat series immensa laborum, 

 Ante meum tempus cogor et csse Senex. " 



His activity and public duties continued unabated 

 at intervals till 1776, two years before his death, 

 when he suffered a second shock, which had an effect 

 upon his speech, though he still retained a part of his 

 wonted cheerfulness. He was carried to his museum, 

 where he viewed with delight the treasures he had 

 collected together from all parts of the world, and 

 showed additional vigour upon seeing any new or rare 

 production, which the attention of his friends still 

 furnished to him. Towards the end of this year he 

 suffered a third and fatal blow. His right side be- 

 came completely dead. It was necessary to lead, 

 support, dress, and feed him. His mental faculties 



'* Nunc nirnis sero inceperim. 



