108 LIFE OF LINNXUS. 
“I renounced botany, and resolved a 
thousand times to destroy all my cob 
lections. Soon after, I was appointed 
first physician to the fleet; and, after 
a short lapse of time, the states chose 
me botanist to the king, and assigned 
me an annual salary to teach that sci¬ 
ence at Stockholm. I now grew fond 
again of plants ; and married my bride, 
who, after five long years, still thought 
me worthy of her love.” 
The patron to whom he owed many 
of the advantages above alluded to, was 
count Tessin; who united to high rank 
great influence as a statesman, and an 
ardent love of science. He was one 
of the first to notice Linnasus, on his 
introduction to court; and he continued 
to be his powerful and generous friend 
till his death. 
Thus, after encountering many hard¬ 
ships and difficulties, Linnaeus at length 
found the reward of bis industry and 
