382 SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 



philosophy in the year." The group called the "Society 

 Islands" is said to derive its name from the " caractere doux 

 et sociahle des hahitans," and Otaheite is said to be the chief. 

 Now Otaheite is 150 miles distant, and belongs to the 

 Friendly Islands ; and Cook tells us himself that he named 

 the others Society Islands, six in number, " on account of 

 their being contiguous to each other." 



I am truly happy to announce my hope that a fuller Life of Sir J. Banks, 

 being in such excellent hands as those of Mr. Dawson Turner, of Great 

 Yarmouth, will be finished by that much and justly respected gentleman. 



