saunier was one of a number of gardener-botanists (see also félix delahaye (1767–1829), anselme riedlé (1775–1801), antoine guichenot (fl. 1801–1817), jean nicolas collignon (1762–?1788), and antoine sautier (?–1801)) sent by thouin from the "jardin du roi" on voyages of exploration to procure plants and plant products for the benefit of france and to assist botanists in the collection, transport and preservation of botanical specimens.