MEMOIR OF SIR JOSEH BANKS. 59 



joined the party, but owing to circumstances connected with 

 the vessel, he altered his determination, and did not accom- 

 pany the expedition. His active mind could not, however, 

 remain long unemployed, and he determined on a voyage to 

 Iceland and the Western Islands of Scotland, as well for the 

 purpose of making scientific researches as of giving employ- 

 ment to those persons whom he had engaged under the 

 expectation of joining the expedition under Captain Cook 

 last alluded to. In the course of this voyage Sir Joseph 

 Banks visited Staffa, and explored the Cave of Fingal (then 

 almost unknown), and other curiosities. On reaching Ice- 

 land they commenced their researches, and made many valu- 

 able additions to what was then known of the products of 

 this island. They also reached the summit of Mount Hecla, 

 after an arduous journey of twelve days. 



After the return of Sir Joseph Banks from this expedition 

 he did not again leave his native shore, but continued to reside 

 at home, extending his valuable collection of specimens in all 

 the branches of natural history, and applying his scientific 

 and experienced mind to a variety of subjects connected with 

 his favourite study. His house became the general resort 

 for scientific characters from all countries, and he himself 

 was visited by persons of all ranks. 



In 1777) on the retirement of Sir John Pringle, Sir Joseph 

 Banks was appointed President of the Royal Society. That 

 he was qualified to fill this important station seems to have 

 been generally admitted ; and although it would show a want 

 of candour and impartiality if we did not state, that some 

 faults were occasionally discovered in the conduct of Sir 

 Joseph as President, yet upon the whole we believe we are 

 justified in saying, that he presided over this learned Society 

 with great credit to himself, and great advantage to the insti- 

 tution. 



It was not until 1781 that he was created a baronet. We 

 have been therefore rather inaccurate in speaking of him as 

 Sir Joseph Banks prior to this period. He was subsequently 

 created a Knight of the Bath. He took an active part in 

 the foundation of the African Association, and was also one 

 of the chief promoters or founders of the Horticultural So- 

 ciety. 



He died 19th May, 1820, at his house in Soho Square, 

 having bequeathed his valuable museum for the benefit of his 

 country, and which now forms a valuable part of the British 

 Museum. 



