LINNiEUS IN ENGLAND. 
9 * 
which he made an epoch in natural history, and raised a lasting monu- 
ment to his fame. 
Lin'njeus waited on Dillenius, and found him in company with 
another gentleman ; who, as he afterwards learned, was no other than 
William Sherard. He addressed Dillenius in Latin, and apo- 
logized for his ignorance of the English language. After some short 
conversation, Dillenius said to Sherard in English: — See , this is 
the young man who confounds all botany. — Linnaeus understood this, as 
the word confound , so analogous to the Latin of confundere , was made 
use of; he feigned, however, not to understand him. They then went 
to the garden. Linnaus took great notice of a plant which he had 
not yet seen ( Anthirrhinum Minus] . He asked Dillenius what plant 
it was? 44 That is more than you can tell me?” answered the latter. — 
« Yes I can tell, if I may be permitted to take off a flower and ex- 
« amine it .”-*- 44 Take one and welcome,” said Dillenius. Linn^us 
took one and gave it the right name. Dillenius prepossessed by the 
pride of his own knowledge, continued to treat our luminary with 
l 
great coolness and reserve. 
The latter despaired of ever gaining his friendship, and obtaining 
presents of plants for Clii fort’s garden. His travelling money was 
also very nearly expended. He went therefore on the third day to 
Dillenius, and intreated him to let his servant hire a coach foi him 
to return to London , as he could not speak English. The servant was 
dispatched. 44 Before X go,” said Linn^us, 44 I have one favor more 
44 to request : pray tell me candidly, why did you tell the man who 
44 was with you the day before yesterday, that I was the person who 
44 confounded all botany Astonished and thunderstruck ! Dillenius 
N 2 endeavoured 
