MEMOIR. 81 
modest, communicative, and sensible, and the knowledge he has 
already acquired of plants would astonish you. Were his genius 
to be properly cultivated, I have not a doubt that he would soon be 
little inferior to what his father was in the science of botany. A 
number of individuals here have it in contemplation to support these 
two young men, to enable them to reside with, and provide for, the 
three infant sons. With a view to this benevolent plan, letters are 
to be sent to those gentlemen who corresponded with George on 
the subject of botany, soliciting their aid. Perhaps a small sum 
may be raised in this way to preserve the family from starving, and 
to enable the two elder sons to follow their pursuit in the knowledge 
of botany; and if they meet with any encouragement, they may 
possibly become an acquisition to the world. They are young and 
vigorous, and able to traverse alpine regions in the pursuit of rare 
plants. The eminent Dr. (Sir James E.) Smith patronised and 
justly appreciated the talents of the father. Perhaps you could 
apply to him for some aid to this friendless family. When Don 
died he was completely in want, and I believe your good friend 
Mr. James Webster was the first to throw in a temporary supply. 
Ever your sincere friend, WiLL. RoBErts. 
Mr. Booth carried out the proposal suggested, and applied to 
Sir James E. Smith, as will be seen from the following letter 
written by Mr. Booth from London, January 24th, 1814 :— 
Sir,—Mr. George Don, of the Botanic Garden, Forfar, was for 
Many years my intimate Friend. I also understand that he was 
your constant correspondent. He is now no more. He died on 
the 14th inst., of a putrid sore throat, after six weeks excruciating 
pain. My residence is at Newburgh, Fife. I have been in London 
these two weeks past, and the above intelligence was communicated 
to me in a letter from Forfar. My correspondent states further 
that Mr. Don died in extreme poverty, having been obliged during 
his illness to accept of the private donations of Friendship, which 
must have ill accorded with his independence of mind. He 
has left a Widow and six Children, four of whom are incapable of 
labour. Two Sons (who, I suppose, are from fifteen to sixteen 
years of age) have been accustomed to work in the Garden, but 
they are quite unfit either to continue or to sell off the valuable 
collection of Plants which it contains. Indeed, there is no one in 
that quarter that can appreciate their value ; and what has been 
F 
