VISIT TO ICELAND 33 



island out in the open, nine leagues away, which he be- 

 lieved had scarcely ever been visited. The long-boat was 

 forthwith prepared, and a small tent and two days' 

 provisions were placed on board. The ship remained 

 near Tobermory, while her boat made its way to Staffa 

 with Banks and his friends. Thus was Staffa discovered, 

 and became a notoriety. Banks gave a very full account 

 of the island, including elaborate measurements, in his 

 journal : which von Troil made use of later, and which Mr. 

 Pennant copiously adopted in his Journey to the Highlands. 



The party reached Bessestedr, in Iceland, on August 28, 

 and remained on shore for about a month. The itinerary 

 was (i) from Havnefiord to Heder Bay, (2) Laugarvatn, 

 (3) Mola, (4) Mola, (5) Skalholt, (6) Skard, (7) Graufell, 

 (8) Skard, (9) Straungiorde, (10) Reikjavik, (n) Havne- 

 fiord. Thus their tour embraced many of the most 

 remarkable features : Thingvalla gaa, the Geysers, Mount 

 Hekla, the Hvitaa, etc. 1 Mr. Banks impressed the 

 islanders deeply with his personality. In after years they 

 had further reasons to be mindful of his high and generous 

 character. Solander and von Troil came in likewise for a 

 great deal of regard. Perhaps the liberal and almost 

 princely style of their travel had something to do with 

 this ; but it was the men of learning in the island who 

 displayed the most gratification with these visitors. 

 Several odes were composed in honour of Banks and his 

 friends. A great number of plants and other objects in 

 natural science were collected and brought home. Beside 

 the botanical treasures, their spoil included some Ice- 

 landic manuscripts which had been purchased by Banks. 



Sir Joseph is one of the few travellers [? the first] who 

 have left record of the ascent of Mount Hekla : 



" We ascended Mount Hekla with the wind blowing 

 against us so violently that we could with difficulty 



1 Solander MSS., N.H. Museum. 



