STATE OF COLLECTIONS 
357 
of March, and thus were completely dispersed. 
Traces of them have been met with, as late as 1830. 
What, on the other hand, has been preserved with 
pious care, is the herbarium. The three unassuming, 
green painted cabinets, of Swedish make, contained 
till recently the priceless contents of Linnean types, 
carefully secured against London smoke and dust by 
specially devised envelopes. But in 1915, when the 
menace of air-raids from the enemy caused much 
anxiety to the Linnean Society, the outside cabinets 
were lined with steel and asbestos, the packets of 
plants being put into steel boxes, so that in case of 
fire from enemy-bombs, they could be rescued easily. 
Similar precautions were taken as regards the Linnean 
correspondence, and his annotated copies of his own 
works, which were lodged in steel boxes for quick 
removal in case of danger. 
Though the Swedes may, with sorrow and shame, 
reflect upon the fate of the Linnean collections, it can 
yet be admitted that their transference to London has 
contributed in no small degree to the spread of 
knowledge in natural history, so that the Swedes them¬ 
selves share in the diffusion of Linne’s beloved 
science. It was this event which led to the foundation 
of the Linnean Society of London on the 18th March, 
1788, which scientific society has since then flourished 
and borne rich fruit. 
The great reputation enjoyed by Linne both at 
home and abroad, not among naturalists only, has 
been described in the foregoing pages. Many further 
proofs could be adduced, but only a few more may be 
added. 
Linne, during his residence abroad, was offered 
inducements to stay in foreign countries; Holland, 
England and France being already mentioned in 
this respect. These temptations to forsake his father- 
land were not the only offers made. One of his 
