62 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



"... I have sent Solander a collection of corals for 

 our Museum. There are duplicates of many, which he 

 may give to you if they should be curious and worth your 

 acceptance." 



Writing again (March 23), Sir William relates some 

 more sporting scenes, with enormous bags ; and adds the 

 following : " Yesterday the King of Naples sent a 

 spaniel puppy of about four months old to shew me as 

 a curiosity. Out of the pupil or centre, of his left eye 

 grows a tuft of soft hair like that of his body ; about an 

 inch long, and it seems to be destroying the sight, which is 

 much impaired. As I never saw or heard of anything 

 of the kind I thought, Mr. President, it was my duty to 

 communicate this phenomenon to you." 



Banks was married in March, 1779. The lady was 

 Dorothea, eldest daughter of William Western Hugessen, 

 Esq., of Provender, in Norton, Kent. 1 



Banks had taken the large house in Soho Square, which 

 remained his principal residence for the rest of his life, 

 in the autumn of 1777. 2 It was become the resort of all 

 persons, and all classes of students, who shared with 

 Banks those philanthropic principles which aimed at 

 ameliorating the lot of Humanity by endeavours to dis- 

 perse the mists of Ignorance. Every one was welcome 

 who, by improvements in the Arts or by further un- 

 ravelling the secrets of Nature, had any scheme for 

 the benefit of his fellow-men. Young authors were wel- 

 come who wished to consult the splendid library. 



1 Rev. Sir John Cullum to Rev. George A shby : 



"May 22, 1 779. . . . Yesterday morning I took a breakfast with Mr. 

 Banks, who told me he was always glad to see his friends at that meal. 

 And when can one see him so well ? For after breakfast he retires into 

 his study with those that please to attend him ; where those who are 

 likely to visit him will meet with ample entertainment. His wife is a 

 comely and modest Young Lady. 



" Solander was particularly cheerful and talkative." 



2 No. 32, Soho Square, now occupied as a Hospital. 



