Schomburgk

Schomburgk, SIR ROBERT HERMANN (1804-65), explorer, was born at Freiberg, in Prussia, and in l826 went to the United States, where he was rather unfortunate. He joined an exploration then on foot, and, as his scientific knowledge was extensive and his repute good, the English Government sent him to British Guiana, then unknown. He brought back with him a magnificent collection of natural history, including the most beautiful water-lilies ever discovered and many fine orchids. He went again in 1840, and in 1845 was knighted. He wrote some important works on British Guiana, and was consul-general in Siam and elsewhere during his later years.