66 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



1767-8. He made acquaintance with Solander, and 

 through him was introduced to the best scientific society 

 in London. Banks, Hunter, Fothergill, John Ellis, Pen- 

 nant, Greville, were among his intimate friends. In the 

 years 1772-5 he spent his winters in Copenhagen and 

 his summers in London. He lived pleasantly in Banks's 

 company, spending much time over the treasures which 

 had come from the South Seas. After 1780 he was again 

 in London, delighted with the further rich accumulations 

 in Banks's house. The insects were put into his hands 

 entirely. The store of specimens which ultimately found 

 a home in the British Museum owed its perfection to the 

 labours of Fabricius. 



The Duchess of Portland's wonderful collection of 

 objects in nature and art was deservedly renowned by 

 her co temporaries. When the treasures were disposed of 

 by auction, in 1786, the sale occupied thirty-eight days ! 

 Readers of Mrs. Delany's Autobiography will remember 

 the almost tiresome zeal of everybody concerned with 

 this museum. Lightfoot, the botanist ; Solander ; 

 Jacob Bryant, the antiquary ; Ehret, the most admired 

 painter of flowers and foliage, in turn were serving the 

 Duchess in her pursuits. Mrs. Delany herself enjoys it all. 

 " We have in attendance Mr. Ehret . . . who goes out in 

 search of curiosities in the fungus way, as this is now their 

 season [Sept., 1769], and reads us a lecture on them 

 an hour before tea, whilst her Grace examines all the 

 celebrated authors to find out their classes. This is 

 productive of much learning and of excellent observa- 

 tions from Mr. Ehret." * 



1 Georg Dionysus Ehret, b. Heidelberg 1708, was in the garden 

 of the Elector of Heidelberg. He travelled great distances over Europe, 

 botanizing and drawing. After coming to London, he made friends of 

 Hans Sloane and other gentlemen. Became noted for his perfect 

 delineations of plant life ; and gave lessons in drawing to the highest 

 personages. He was much appreciated by Banks, both as friend and 

 draughtsman. A great many of his beautiful drawings are housed in the 

 Botanical Department of the Natural History Museum : well worth a 

 pilgrimage to any lover of this branch of art. 



