194 LINNiEUS. 



their son, or as calculated to ensure the means of a 

 comfortable subsistence, and to render him the stay 

 of their old age. But, whatever were their motives, 

 the design, fortunately for the progress of natural 

 science, was frustrated by the propensities which 

 he soon displayed ; for, inheriting a strong passion 

 for flowers, he devoted a great part of his earlier 

 years to the cultivation of a corner of the family- 

 garden, which he profusely stocked with wild plants 

 collected in the woods and fields. The excursions 

 which he w^as thus induced to make, gradually 

 led him to an acquaintance with the productions of 

 the vegetable and animal kingdoms, and were at 

 first rather encouraged than discountenanced by his 

 parents, as affording innocent amusement, and being 

 beneficial to health. 



Charles was happy also in the affectionate care 

 of his father, who taught him the elements of the 

 Latin language, geography, and other departments 

 of knowledge suited to his capacity. At the age of 

 seven, however, he was committed to the care of a 

 teacher ill qualified for the task ; and three years 

 after he was sent to a grammar-school in the neigh- 

 bouring town of Wexio, where he continued several 

 years. During this period he made little pro- 

 ficiency in the studies connected with his intended 

 profession ; for the love of nature prevailed in his 

 mind to such a degree as to induce him to consider 

 every other occupation as compulsory. He found 

 much more pleasure in gathering plants and insects 

 than ioi performing the tasks imposed by his teachers. 

 Every hour of respite from his lessons was devoted 

 to his favourite occupation, and all his holidays were 

 spent in rambling over the country. His school- 



