David Douglas

Exploring Identification

 It was on this day in 1799, the Scottish botanist David Douglas was born. 
 
Douglas was responsible for the identification of over 200 new plant species in North America including the famous Douglas-fir.
 
Douglas never received a formal education, and he was primarily a plant collector rather than a published scientist.
 
Despite his lack of formal training, Douglas sent more plants to Europe than any other botanist of his time.
 
During his expeditions, Douglas was often accompanied by his little Scottish terrier named Billie.
 
Douglas's career ended tragically in 1834 when he was killed while exploring in Hawaii.
 
There is a memorial to Douglas and Honolulu which says:
 
"Here lies Master David Douglas - an indefatigable traveler. He was sent out by the Royal Horticultural Society of London and gave his life for science."
 
And on the second bronx tablet there is a quote by Virgil:

"Even here the tear of pity springs,
And hearts are touched by human things."


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David Douglas
David Douglas

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