346 
LINNAEUS 
His first object was to apply to Sir Joseph Banks, 
who five years before had made so liberal an offer for 
the collections. The application was made by Acrel, 
who also requested Dr. L. Montin in Halmstad to 
write to his sister’s son, J. Dryander, to help them in 
this matter, which accordingly was done. Before any 
answer came from London, Acrel turned to Dr. J. H. 
Engelhardt, then in London, with the request that he 
should put the matter direct to Banks. This was 
effected by a letter received by Banks on the morning 
of the 23rd of December, 1783, while he was at break¬ 
fast with friends in his hospitable house. Among the 
guests was the twenty-four-year-old ardent naturalist, 
James Edward Smith, son of a rich manufacturer in 
Norwich, and to him Banks handed Engelhardt’s 
letter, saying that it was something suitable for him, 
and earnestly recommending him to make use of the 
opportunity to gain advantage and credit. Fired by 
enthusiasm, the young man hastened to Engelhardt, 
whose acquaintance he had made during their common 
studies in Edinburgh, the result of their talk being 
that both, the same day, communicated with Acrel. 
James Edward Smith wrote declaring that if, after 
receiving a full catalogue, he found that it 
corresponded with his expectations, he was willing to 
pay the sum of 1,000 guineas. The offer thus hurriedly 
made was somewhat rash, for to complete the purchase 
money he had offered, his father would have to provide 
the necessary funds. To him he wrote the next day, 
but the reply was indefinite and advised caution. 
Without being cast down, young Smith, supported by 
Banks, endeavoured again to persuade his father, and 
by the middle of January, had the pleasure of receiving 
a letter giving him freedom of action, but at the same 
time containing the advice: “ But await calmly the 
answer to your letter to Dr. Acrel, till you see and 
examine the catalogue with care, and then determine 
as circumstances require, and I hope it will please 
Heaven to direct you for the best in a matter of so 
