FOTHERGILL, 189 expense seldom undertaken by an individual, and with an ardour that was visible in the whole of his conduct, he procured from all parts of the world a great number of the rarest plants, and protected them in the amplest buildings which this or any other country has seen. He liberally proposed rewards to those whose circumstances and situations in life gave them opportunities of bringing hither plants which might be ornamental, and probably useful to this country, or her colo- nies ; and as liberally paid these rewards to all that served him. If the troubles of war had per- mitted, we should have had the Cortex Winter- anus, &c. &c., introduced by his means into this country ; and also the E read- Fruit, Mangasteen, &c., into the West Indies. For each of these, and many others, he had fixed a proper premium. In conjunction with the Earl of Tankervilie, Dr. Pitcairn, and myself, he sent over a person to Africa, who is still employed upon the coast of that country, for the purpose of collecting plants and specimens. Those whose gratitude for restored health prompted them to do what was acceptable to their benefactor, were always informed by him, that presents of rare plants chiefly attracted his attention, and would be more acceptable to him than the most generous fees. How many unhappy men, enervated by the eftects of hot climates, where their connexions had placed them, found health on their return home at that cheap purchase ! What an infinite number of plants he obtained by these means, the large collection of drawings he left behind will amply testify ; and that they were equalled by nothing
