VARIOUS ADVENTURERS 143 



survey of the western coasts of America hitherto un- 

 known. 



George Vancouver, one of Captain Cook's midshipmen, 

 was selected to take charge of the Expedition. He had 

 risen in the Naval service ; was a good all-round man, 

 a strong disciplinarian, always careful of the conduct 

 and the comfort of his crew, and specially apt as a nauti- 

 cal surveyor. 



Archibald Menzies was appointed Naturalist to the 

 Discovery. This was fulfilling his heart's desire. His 

 tastes and his experience alike pointed him out as the 

 man for the post. Later in the voyage he became Surgeon 

 of the ship. The formal instructions of Sir Joseph 

 Banks are unusually copious and interesting. They range 

 over every conceivable topic which could attract the 

 attention of a cultured and intelligent observer ; in 

 Natural History, Botany, Social Science, and Physical 

 Geography. His Collections and his Journals were to be 

 considered the sole property of His Majesty. And, as 

 many particulars would doubtless occur in the investiga- 

 tion of foreign countries that are not mentioned in these 

 Instructions ; all such were left to his discretion and 

 good sense : " You are hereby directed to act in them as 

 you judge most likely to promote the interest of science 

 and contribute to the increase of human knowledge." 



There must have been open question as to Vancouver's 

 temperament ; for he was instructed as to treating 

 Menzies with proper distinction. And Banks's last letter 

 to Menzies (August 10, 1791) plainly shows an apprehen- 

 sion as to their proper relations on board : " How 

 Captain Vancouver will behave to you is more than I can 

 guess, unless I was to judge by his conduct toward me, 

 which was not such as I am used to receive from persons 

 in his situation. ... As it would be highly imprudent 

 in him to throw any obstacle in the way of your duty, 

 I trust he will have too much good sense to obstruct it," 



