3 GO SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 



Hawkcsworth (Introduction) expressly states that he felt 

 concerned at delivering his account in the person of the 

 commander, when, as to all but the nautical 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 

 voyage, it had not extended our knowledge of the 

 southern hemisphere beyond the 47th degree; and as 

 it was still supposed possible that the Terra Australia 

 might be in a higher latitude, to which the instruc- 

 tions 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 ac- 

 cepted, 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 preserving plants and 

 animals; all the books, drawings, and instruments re- 

 quired for his studies, and all the stores which so numer- 

 ous a suite could desire, were provided with profusion, and 

 everything seemed ready for his joining the expedition 

 when the constant thwarting which lie received at each 

 turn from the Navy Board, especially from its chief, the 

 Comptroller, wore out his patience, and he reluctantly 



