ii2 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



his proceedings, and his special endeavours in horticul- 

 ture ; and an exhibition of his gratification on finding 

 that his re-introduction was so welcome. He had been 

 in communication with Masson, then at the Cape of Good 

 Hope ; and suggested that he should be instructed to 

 spend a few weeks at St. Helena. That Corneille was in 

 earnest, and further encouraged by Sir Joseph's letters, 

 is clear from the influence left behind him on the Island 

 at his retirement. His successor was Robert Brooke, 

 another officer of the East India Company ; a rather 

 remarkable man, who had displayed good military talent, 

 and a character for inflexible integrity during many years 

 of active service. Since his retirement he had lived in 

 Dublin, and taken pains to encourage the cotton manu- 

 facture in Ireland. His efforts were rewarded by what 

 may be called moral success, accompanied by financial 

 failure. On reminding John Company of his former 

 services and present need, they made him Governor of 

 St. Helena in succession to Mr. Corneille. He was active 

 and sensible in his rather trying post, and originated 

 several improvements. The legacy of Horticulture fell 

 into excellent hands, and Brooke proved a good helper 

 and correspondent of Sir Joseph. His gardener, Henry 

 Porteous, seems to have been a practical and observant 

 man ; coming well under the influence of Banks, and 

 promising to become an accomplished botanist. Banks 

 corresponded direct with him, apparently having dis- 

 covered an apt pupil. 



The East India Company carefully nursed St. Helena 

 in those days. They wanted a capable Governor of the 

 Island. After 1787 it was very advantageous to their 

 service for European troops to be acclimatized here in 

 preparation for India. According to Porteous, they had 

 gardens allotted them, and milch cows : "As the Governor 

 begged I would give them every assistance that lay in my 

 power, in compliance with his orders I am always happy." 



