10 Baron Cuvier's Hislorkal Ehge of 



I need not say with what eagerness these new argonauts were 

 received on tlieir return. All classes of society were anxious to 

 testify what they felt for them ; the King, in particular, shewed 

 them the greatest regard. Friend as he was to botany and agri- 

 culture, he received with great pleasure the seeds and plants 

 which Mr Banks presented to him ; and, from this time, con- 

 ceived an affection for our young traveller, which was never af- 

 terwards interrupted. 



This description of enterprize, so new and so generous, which 

 originated in England, was so much lauded throughout Europe, 

 that the British government could not but consider itself bound 

 to repeat it. In 1772, Captain Cook was to set out upon his 

 second voyage, of all nautical expeditions the most astonishing 

 for the courage and perseverance of those who embarked in it. 

 Mr Banks was also resolved to accompany him anew ; Solander 

 was again to be taken out ; all the preparations were made : 

 but they demanded, and it was certainly reasonable, to have the 

 conveniency afforded them in the ship, which, without clogging 

 the expedition, might render their exile more comfortable. It is 

 difficult to comprehend how the Captain could resolve to deprive 

 himself of their assistance. Was it jealousy or regret at having 

 his glory divided by men who had so efficiently participated in 

 his labours ? Was it the remembrance of some restraints or in- 

 conveniences which the respect due to persons of their station in 

 society had occasioned him during his former voyage ? We do 

 not pretend to decide. This, however, is certain, that he caused 

 several arrangements which Mr Banks had made in the vessel to 

 be destroyed ; and that the latter, in a moment of irritation, re- 

 nounced all his projects. 



I shall not here seek to determine between them. If we re- 

 flect that Captain Cook fell out with the two Forsters, who were 

 substituted for Mr Banks and Dr Solander, — that, on the third 

 voyage, he refused to take any naturahst with him, — that there 

 have been none employed since in the nautical expeditions of the 

 English — and that those who have embarked in ours have 

 very seldom been on good terms with their leaders, it will per- 

 haps be found that the freedom of action, to which men of the 

 closet are accustomed, can scarcely be reconciled to the severe 

 discipline so necessary in a ship ; and then we shall neither have 



