n8 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



(July 6, 1783.) "... By the arrival of the last fleet, 

 I learned with inexpressible concern, the death of my 

 worthy friend Solander. I found I was not half the Stoic 

 I thought myself." 



(December 26, 1784.) Dr. Russell has news of the 

 squabbles at the Royal Society : " Independent of other 

 considerations, I am always pleased to see clerical pride 

 mortified ; and though I have as large a portion of re- 

 spect for Bishops as a worthy member of the Kirk ought 

 to have, yet I have generally remarked, when certain 

 objects are in view, that people of a certain denomination 

 are less scrupulous in respect to the means employed in 

 attaining them than men in other walks of life who affect 

 less dependence on Heaven. ... I have sent a small 

 parcel addressed to you, with one for Dr. Hope ; and 

 shall be very glad to hear how they thrive, for Konig 

 complains bitterly that they seldom from Europe acquaint 

 him with the success of the seeds he sends, which (he says) 

 does very much discourage his spirits, and makes him 

 lament sorely." 



(July 9, 1785.) A very long letter mentions the death 

 of Dr. Konig. From the details of his movements, it 

 appears the Doctor set to work in an indifferent state 

 of health : was too impatient to rejoin, and this in spite 

 of Dr. Roxburgh having interdicted an immediate appli- 

 cation to work. Two days before his death he sealed up 

 carefully all the papers, etc., meant for Sir Joseph. 



After a further complaint of want of books, Russell 

 further descants humorously on the Dissensions : "In 

 the Monthly Review for April, 1784, I found what was 

 before a mystery to me cleared up. ' And dwells such 

 bitter souls in holy men ! ' I find the first majority was 

 119 against 42, the second 85 against 47, the third 115 

 against 27, and then 102 against 23. ' Nevertheless the 



