LiNN-ff:us. 329 



for I shall be happy to resume our agreeable corre- 

 spondence." 

 The following is Linnaeus's answer : — 



" Stockholm, Sept. 12th, finished the ISth, 1739. 



" Your letter, of which the value to me is beyond 

 estimation, though dated Nov. 14, 1738, did not 

 reach me till the 12th of August of the present year, 

 when I received it from the minister of the German 

 church at this place. Of the cause of its delay I am 

 ignorant. 



" A thousand times have I invoked the honour- 

 ed shade of Hermann ! How well did he deserve 

 the compliment of having all the fountains in the 

 royal gardens play on his arrival, if we consider his 

 liberal conduct towards Tournefort ! Hermann had 

 previously offered to resign the botanical professor- 

 ship (at Leyden) in his favour, intending himself 

 to seek some other situation during Tournefort's 

 life. But what shall I say of you, who have con- 

 ceived so strong an affection for a stranger, as to in- 

 vite him to accept your professorial appointment, 

 your honours, and your garden ! A man could 

 scarcely do this for his brother, or a father for an 

 only son. I can only say, in one word, I have had 

 a numerous acquaintance among my fellow-crea- 

 tures, and many have been kindly attached to me ; 

 but no one has ever made me so bountiful an offer 

 as yourself. I would express my tlianks, if possible, 

 but cannot find words for the purpose. Your me- 

 mory shall be engraved on my heart whilst I live, 

 and shall be cherished by tliose who come after me. 



" I cannot give an answer ; but as you have 

 placed yourself in the light of a father, and me of a 



