SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 355 



is, in the collection of the vast and important informa- 

 tion which was its result information not confined to 

 natural history, but extending to the manners, the habits, 

 and the condition of the natives. It was from the re- 

 cord duly and faithfully kept of his observations that 

 the history of the voyage was subsequently compiled ; 

 and Dr. Hawkesworth (Introduction) expressly states 

 that he felt concerned at delivering his account in the 

 person of the commander, when, as to all but the nau- 

 tical part, he would have preferred making Mr. Banks 

 speak. This was proposed to him, " but the proposal 

 was generously overruled !" 



Important, however, as were the results of the voy- 

 age, it had not extended our knowledge of the southern 

 hemisphere beyond the 47th degree ; and as it was still 

 supposed possible that the Terra Australis might be in 

 a higher latitude, to which the instructions of Capt. 

 Cook had not before reached, a new expedition was 

 fitted out early in the following year, under the same 

 great navigator. It is impossible to reflect without 

 astonishment and admiration on that ardour for the 

 advancement of science, and that noble disregard of 

 both dangers and fatigues, and annoyance of every 

 kind, in the pursuit of his favourite object which could 

 induce Mr. Banks again, after a few months of repose, 

 to volunteer his services. These were gladly accepted, 

 and his preparations were made on so vast a scale as 

 required, even with his ample means, the raising of 

 money by way of loan. He engaged Zoffany, the 

 painter, and three draughtsmen ; he took two secretaries 

 and nine servants, well versed in the art of preserv- 

 ing plants and animals ; all the books, drawings, and 

 instruments required for his studies, and all the stores 

 which so numerous a suite could desire, were provided 

 with profusion. Everything seemed ready for his join- 

 ing the expedition, when the constant thwarting which 

 he received at each turn from the Navy Board, espe- 

 cially from its chief, the Comptroller, wore out his 



