The aim of this paper is to shed new light on the relationship between a patron and his client. The patronage system was a mutually beneficial arrangement which allowed both patron and client to benefit socially, economically and intellectually. I will examine the career of Sir John Hill, a man of many professions and a prolific writer on botany, and his patron, the Earl of Bute. I will also explore the financial dependency of individuals on wealthy patrons for advancement and somewhat fickle nature of patronage. I will begin by discussing the early career of Hill (1742-1756), his publications, dedications and his varied attempts to gain patronage. It was generally difficult for scientific clients to find patrons, so I will investigate Hill's other means of supplementing his income, which included collecting plant specimens and selling medicinal remedies. Hill was able to secure the patronage of Bute through his dedication of Eden, or, a compleat body of gardening in 1757 to the Earl. I will examine how Hill benefitted by Bute's patronage and his connection to other more influential patrons. Correspondence between the pair indicates that Hill undertook the writing of his magnum opus, The Vegetable System (1759-1775), at Bute's request. The Vegetable System consists of 26 folio volumes and 1600 copper plates and was undertaken at considerable expense by Hill. This correspondence also shows that Hill expected to be provided with financial assistance for this 'great work'. Surprisingly, even after gaining the patronage of Bute, Hill continued to dedicate work to other influential patrons, including the Prince of Wales, the future George III. It appears that although Bute wrote and encouraged Hill in writing The Vegetable System, he may not have provided Hill with sufficient financial compensation. After Hill’s death, his wife published An Address to the Public which was an appeal to Bute for thousands of pounds which she claimed was owed to her husband. I will contend that even after gaining patronage, Hill found his scientific career and his financial status fraught with many difficulties.