Gents Mag 1791 p.805

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	Gentleman's Magazine 1791 p.805 makes it evident, that he acquired an acquaintance with the language of his author, capable of giving him a complete idea of the subject. The means by which he arrived at this proficiency are not known at present; and though such an attempt, made by an illiterate man, may appear to be attended with insuperable difficulties to those who have enjoyed a regular education, yet the experiment has been frequently made, and has been almost as frequently successful. No one ought to be surprised with the apparent impossibilities that perseverance constantly vanquishes, when properly stimulated by the love of knowledge. The powers of industry are not to be determined by speculation; they are seen and understood by their effects: it is this talent alone that forms the basis of genius, and distinguishes a man of abilities from the rest of his kind. It was no easy undertaking to acquire the reputation of an expert and accurate botanist before Linnaeus's admirable method of discriminating species gave the science so essential an improvement. The subject of the present essay overcame the difficulties inseparable from the enterprize, and merited the character from his intimate acquaintance with the vegetable productions of the North of England. But there is good reason to believe that he was not entirely self-taught; for, under the article Gentiana, he accidentally mentions his intercourse on the subject with Mr. Fitz-Roberts, who formerly resided in the neighbourhood of Kendal, and was known to Pettiver and Ray: his name occurs in the Synopsis of the latter gentleman. The numerous places of growth of the rarer plants added by Wilson to those found in former catalogues, shew how diligently he cultivated the practical part of botany. It will appear a matter of surprise, to such as are ignorant of his manner of life, how a mechanick could spare a very large portion of time from engagements which ought to engross the attention of men in low circumstances, for the sole purpose of devoting it to the curious but unproductive researches of a naturalist. On this account it is proper to remark, that the business of a baker was principally managed by his wife, and that a long indisposition rendered him unfit for a sedentary employment. He was affected with a severe asthma for many years, which, while it prevented him from pursuing his trade as a shoe-maker, encouraged the cultivation of his favourite science, and he attended to it with all the ardour a sick man can experience. Fresh air, and moderate exercise, were the best palliatives of his cruel disease: thus he was tempted to amuse the lingering hours of sickness with frequent excursions in the more favourable parts of the year, as oft as his health would permit; and, under the pressure of an unpropitious disorder, explored the marshes, and even the hills, of his native county, being often accompanied by such of his intimates as were partial to botany, or desirous of beholding those uncommon scenes of Nature that can only be enjoyed in mountainous countries. The singularity of his conversation contributed not a little to the gratification of his curiosity; for he was a diligent observer of manners and opinions, and delivered his sentiments with unreserved freedom. His discourse abounded with remarks, which were generally pertinent, and frequently original: many of his sententious expressions are still remembered by his neighbours and contemporaries. One of these deserves recording, as it shews that his knowledge of botany was not confined to the native productions of England. Being once in the county of Durham, he was introduced to a person who took much pleasure in the cultivation of rare plants. This man, judging of his abilities by his appearance, and perhaps expecting to increase his own reputation by an easy victory over one he had heard commended so much, challenged him to a trial of skill; and, in the course of it, treated his stranger with a degree of disrespect that provoked his resentment, and prompted him to give an instance of his superiority. Accordingly, after naming most of the rarities contained in the garden, and referring to authors where they are described, he in his turn plucked a wild herb, growing in a neglected spot, and presented it to his opponent, who endeavoured to get clear of the difficulty by pronouncing it a weed; but Wilson immediately replied, a weed is a term of Art, not a production of Nature: adding, that the explanation proved his antagonist to be a gardener, not a botanist. Thus the contest ended. These qualities, so uncommon in an unlettered man, procured him the notice of several persons of taste and fortune, whose hospitality enabled him to prosecute his researches on an oeconomical plan that suited his humble condition.
	Mr.
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