SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 351 



succeeded to a wish, and enabled a single pump to keep 

 the leak under. 



They proceeded on their voyage till a river was 

 discovered in which they could give the ship (whose 

 name it now bears), the necessary repairs. But upon 

 laying her down and examining her bottom, they found 

 to what a singular circumstance they owed their pro- 

 vidential escape. A large fragment of the coral had 

 forced its way through the timber, and was found 

 sticking in the leak so as in a great measure to stop 

 it, otherwise the size of the aperture was such that it 

 must have sent the vessel at once to the bottom. The 

 boats being wholly insufficient to save the crew, it may 

 easily be conceived with what feelings all regarded 

 this most extraordinary escape. Captain Cook, in his 

 account of the voyage, gives high praise to all, (he 

 mentions Mr. Banks and his party expressly), for their 

 cool and orderly conduct, and their firm and active 

 exertions during this perilous crisis. 



A new calamity, however, now appeared to sadden 

 them, when the joy had scarcely subsided to which 

 their merciful escape gave rise. The scurvy began to 

 make its appearance ; and, among others, Mr. Green 

 the astronomer, and Tupia, a native who had accom- 

 panied them from the wish to visit England, were so 

 severely attacked that there seemed no means of stem- 

 ming the disease. The country was explored to find 

 fresh vegetables for the relief of the sick, and Mr. Banks, 

 with his wonted activity and skill, served to guide 

 these important expeditions. In the course of them 

 he discovered the strange quadruped since so familiarly 

 known both to naturalists and the vulgar, the kangaroo. 

 He also found a supply offish, turtle, and large cockles, 

 and some vegetables, which proved a most seasonable 

 relief. Nor were his researches concerning the man- 

 ners and habits of the natives less interesting to science; 

 indeed, it is principally to him that we owe the accu- 

 rate descriptions of the natives seen and conversed 



