MEMOIR OF LINXJEUS. 61 



The character of this great Naturalist is easily 

 defined from the nature of his habits and pursuits. 

 lie was fond of renown, and loved applause ; but 

 what man was ever insensible to panegyric, or could 

 hear with indifference the voice of universal admi- 

 ration at his own genius. Study was his ruling 

 passion; and he had but one desire, that of 

 enlightening mankind. He was one of those whose 

 penetrating mind soared above the attainments of 

 his contemporaries, and saw farther than the limited 

 horizon of the age in which he lived. 



There are some men whose appearance is the 

 date of a new era, whose talents overcome the 

 poverty of their birth, and every impediment that 

 obstructs their path. If they seek glory in arms, 

 in letters, or in science, they find it ; because 

 Nature has endowed them with a sagacity of com- 

 prehension and a determination of will which car- 

 ries them through all obstacles, and crowns their 

 efforts with success. Such a man was Linnaeus : 

 he was born a Naturalist, just as Newton was 

 born an astronomer, Milton a poet, or Napoleon 

 a soldier. 



Although the soil of Sweden is not rich either in 

 plants or insects, and many of its feathered tribes 

 are but temporary visitants, leaving it at stated 

 periods in quest of milder climes, nevertheless it was 

 amidst this physical barrenness that the taste of 

 Linnaeus for his favourite pursuit broke out almost 

 from his earliest infancy, and found the means not 



