During his residence at Upsal, he had the happiness to enjoy the friendship of a young man, not less fervently devoted than himself to the study of nature. This was Peter Artedi, so well known for his work on fishes. The name of Linnaeus is usually mentioned as that of a distinguished botanist; but it ought to be observed, however great his merits were in that capacity, they were scarcely less in the department of zoology, and that from the commencement of his career he manifested nearly as strong a liking to the one as to the other. Speaking of his friendship for Artedi, he says, "He excelled me in chemistry, and I outdid him in the knowledge of birds and insects, and in botany." At this period, a new prospect opened to his ambition. A society had been instituted at Upsal, chiefly for the purpose of examining the natural productions of the kingdom. The remote and desert regions of Lapland were less known than any other of the Swedish provinces, although Rudbeck the elder had been sent by Charles XI. to explore them. The curiosities which he brought home had been destroyed by the great fire in 1702; and it was now proposed to repair the loss by sending out another scientific traveller. The choice fell on Linnaeus, who was recommended by Celsius and the younger Rudbeck. SECTION II. _Journey to Lapland._ Linnaeus, chosen by the Royal Society of Upsal to travel in Lapland, sets out in May 1732--Enters Lycksele Lapland--A Lapland Beauty--Beds made of Hair-moss--Conversation of a Curate and a Schoolmaster--The Lapland Alps--Their Vegetation--Brief Account of the Rein-deer--Passing over the alpine Region, he enters Norway--Again visits the mountainous Region--Difficulties of the Journey--Pearl-fishery--Forests set on Fire by Lightning--At Lulea he discovers the Cause of an epidemic Distemper among the Cattle--Returns through East Bothland--Concluding Remarks. Having received this appointment, he visited his friend Stobaeus at Lund, as also his parents, who were now reconciled to him, and returned to Upsal to prepare for his perilous enterprise.