LINN^US. 223 



individual in the University of Leyden. Linnaeus 

 was therefore anxious to see him ; but finding an 

 interview impracticable in the ordinary way^ on ac- 

 count of the great man's constant occupation, he 

 resolved to send him a copy of his treatise, accom- 

 panied with a letter. The consequence was an in- 

 vitation to meet him at his villa near the city, 

 where he had a botanical garden. On entering into 

 conversation with the young foreigner, the venerable 

 professor, astonished at his knowledge, strongly ad- 

 vised him to remain in Holland, where he might be 

 sure of making a fortune ; but the other, prevented 

 by poverty from adopting this counsel, was obliged 

 to set out on the following day. 



Arriving at Amsterdam with a recommenda- 

 tion to Professor Burmann, he was kindly receiv- 

 ed by that gentleman, who was then occupied with 

 his description of the plants of Ceylon. Linnaeus him- 

 self relates the occurrences which took place during 

 this interview : " ' Do you wish to see my plants ?' 

 asked Burmann, ' which of them would you in- 

 spect ?' He held out one, and observed, ' It is 

 very rare.' I begged a single flower, which I exa- 

 mined after softening it in my mouth, and pro- 

 nounced it to be a species of laurus. ' It is not a 

 laurus,' said Burmann. ' But it is,' said I; Mt is 

 the cinnamon-tree.' — ^ It certainly is the cinnamon,' 

 rejoined Burmann. I then convinced him that 

 this tree was a species of laurus, and so of other 

 plants. At length he said, ' Will you help me with 

 my work on Ceylon, and you shall lodge with my- 

 self?' " To this proposal the other assented, delight- 

 ed with the prospect of at once adding to his reputa- 

 tion and his knowledge. 



