5i7 
the latter family, like his friend the late Lord Grenville, he took 
especial delight ; but whilst, to cite his own words from a letter to 
Sir William Hooker, “The study of nature in the productions of 
the Forest, the Garden and the Conservatory formed one of his 
most favourite pursuits*,” he was not less attentive to literature 
and the study of the fine arts; and his taste and knowledge in the 
latter department are attested by two sumptuous volumes, the one 
relating to the Woburn marbles, the other to the history of the house 
of Russellt. His love of botany led him by necessary connexion to 
horticulture and agriculture; and with a just appreciation of the 
value of science in its application to these most useful arts, he main- 
tained in the gardens of Woburn an extensive collection of the 
various kinds of Grasses; as being that family of plants which 
beyond all. others is of paramount importance, in affording the 
grand supply of nutriment.to man and beast. In still further eluci- 
dation of the practical advantages to be derived from a scientific 
knowledge of these most useful members of the vegetable kingdom, 
and their adaptation to various soils, culture and climates, he sup- 
plied materials for the publication by his gardener, Mr. Sinclair, 
of an account of experiments on the produce and nutritive qua- 
lities of different grasses and other plants used as the food of 
the more valuable domestic animals; with practical observations 
on their habits, the soils best adapted to their growth, and the sorts 
most. profitable for various kinds of pasture lands, and for alternate 
husbandry, accompanied with the discriminating characters of their 
species. 
Whilst thus dedicating his hours of leisure, his garden and estate to 
the great national work of affording an example of a ready method 
to increase the amount of the agricultural produce of the country, 
he felt a further gratification in the consciousness that he was carry- 
ing out the plans of his elder brother, to whom he had been devo- 
tedly attached, and who had been cut off (a.p. 1802) in the commence- 
ment of a highly enlighteried course of agricultural improvements. 
The same affectionate feelings induced him to continue through life 
the valuable system of practical instruction to the cultivators of the 
soil of England which his predecessor had begun. He saw and 
duly appreciated the importance of teaching by example rather 
than by precept in a matter so palpable as the growth of two ears 
of corn where only one had grown before; and in a subject not 
less interesting to the owners and occupiers of the soil than to the 
nation, viz. the communication of knowledge as to the best methods 
* In another letter to Sir William Hooker he says, “to botany I am 
more indebted than it is possible for me to express. From tiat pursuit, 
under the blessing of God, have mainly been derived to me the health of 
my body, the culture of my mind, my relaxation at home, my enjoyment 
in the fields; many of my most agreeable and honoured acquaintances, and 
several of my dearest friends.”’ 
+ 1. Outline Engravings and Descriptions of the Woburn Marbles. — 
2. Historical Description of Miniatures in Enamel, by Bone, from 
family portraits at Woburn Abbey. 
VOL. III. PART II. ZU 
