Blackburne, John

, esq. of Orford, near Warrington in Lancashire, deserves some notice in a work of this description, as a promoter of science. This gentleman died in 1786, at the advanced age of ninety-six, the reward of a very regular and temperate life, and a mind undisturbed by any violent emotions. His health and tranquillity were also not a little promoted by the turn he took in early life to the cultivation of plants. He was supposed to be the second gentleman in England who cultivated the pine-apple, and his garden always continued one of the chief objects of botanical curiosity for its products both foreign and domestic, in the north of England. Of this a catalogue was printed by his gardener, Mr. Neal, in 1779. He retained his faculties in very considerable perfection till within two or three years before his death. He was exemplary in the discharge of religious duties, and in charity to the poor. His daughter Anna, who died, advanced in years, in 1794, was also attached to scientific pursuits, particularly natural history, of which she formed a very extensive museum at her seat at Fairfield near Warrington. She was equally fond of botany, and was the friend and constant correspondent of Linnæus and many other celebrated botanists on the continent and at home. A plant which she discovered, Linnæus named in honour of her, Blackburniana. She bequeathed her museum to her nephew John Blackburne, esq. M. P. for Lancashire. ¹