86 
MEMOIR OF LINNjEUS. 
which the skin of the animal had been put on. 
‘ The artist (said he) who has given that tender 
little creature so thick a coating of fur, has shown 
a wonderful degree of judgment and of skill ; for 
so perfect is his handywork, that the stitches can 
hardly be detected.’ — ‘ Eh ! how ! what say you ? 
(exclaimed the lady). A false skin ! — stitches ! — 
an artist applying fur! That brute, then, is no- 
thing but a little bald monster, covered with a 
hide not his own ! How horribly have I been 
cheated!’ Then removing the hair, she imagined 
she really discovered the seam in a line slightly 
marked along the back ; which was, in fact, no- 
thing else than the line where the hair separates 
itself in opposite directions. The poor innocent 
beast was shunned and execrated as an impostor, 
and might have fallen into irretrievable disgrace 
with its enraged mistress, had not Linmeus added, 
with a smile, — ‘ Calm yourself, madam ; the artist 
that has sewed on the skin is Nature ; it is Provi- 
dence who has given that tender and frail animal 
a fleece that may enable it to brave the rigours of 
our northern winters.’ The lady perceived the jest ; 
laughed, and took the dog again into favour.” 
The only other anecdote we shall quote, refers to 
his academical habits at an advanced period of 
life. It is related by one of his pupils, Fabricius, 
well known as a celebrated naturalist. — “ I had the 
good fortune (says he) to enjoy the instructions 
and the particular acquaintance of Li mucus, from 
