xiv MEMOIRS OF THE 



But the knowledge of Mr. Lee was not confined 

 to Botany, he was also an adept in entymology, con- 

 chology, and natural history in general, of which he 

 made a most superb collection, which is still in the 

 possession of his son ; and this cabinet, possessing 

 many unique specimens of insects and shells, is often - 

 quoted by Fabricius, and other eminent authors. 



He sent out persons to different quarters of the 

 globe, to collect new plants ; and his extensive 

 stoves, green-house, and nursery, was the empo- 

 rium of all that was curious and interesting in 

 Botany. He discovered what islands had belonged * 

 to Europe, and what to Asia, by the heath (erica), 

 which is abundantly dispersed over Europe, Africa, 

 and America; but is not to be found in Asia, or any 

 of its islands, which once formed a part of that 

 continent. 



Although the great exertions made to extend the 

 Royal Garden, at Kew, and large sums expended, 

 made that the chief repository of new and rare 

 plants, still Mr. Lee's Nursery, at Hammersmith, 

 took, at any rate, the second lead; and the two 

 together has gradually, and, imperceptibly as it 

 were, greatly enriched our gardens, and extended 

 the Science of Botany. Prints of new plants are for 

 ever acknowledging the favour of Mr. Lee. 



