COOK'S SECOND VOYAGE 39 



gives one a pleasure to find other persons, of whom we 

 entertain a good opinion, engaged in the same pursuits 

 as oneself." 



From meeting Banks and Solander at the Museum, 

 a cordial acquaintance sprang up between them and 

 Cullum. Botanical letters went to and fro, and Sir John 

 was a devoted attendant in Banks's library. His circle 

 of botanical friends widened. Among others, Mr. Light- 

 foot met him, and became a frequent correspondent and 

 co-labourer in Science. Sir John Cullum presently 

 revealed to Banks his wish to join the Royal Society. 

 As the latter regarded him as an example of the man 

 who deserved such recognition of original research, 

 Sir John's nomination was promptly made. 



Another new Fellow of the Royal Society about the 

 same time was Dr. Alexander Hunter, of York, who was 

 then preparing the fine edition of Evelyn's Silva, with 

 which his name has since been associated. It is likely 

 enough that this is one of the cases where Banks gave 

 financial assistance. Dr. Hunter's frequent consultations 

 and evident reliance on the judgment of Sir Joseph 

 justify this conclusion. 



James Bruce, the African traveller, was a new acquaint- 

 ance early in 1774. A similarity of pursuits and inclina- 

 tions drew him and Banks together, and there was some 

 occasional correspondence between them which seems 

 to betoken very friendly relations. 



The second expedition of Captain Cook had not been 

 heard of since Cook wrote from the Cape in 1772. Without 

 any actual fear existing as to the fate of the great seaman 

 after two years' absence, people were beginning to wish 

 earnestly for some news of the Expedition. The veil was 

 partially lifted on July 14, 1774, when one of the ships 

 arrived at Spithead. 



The squadron, which consisted of the Resolution, 

 Captain Cook, and the Adventure, Captain Tobias 



