148 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



disasters set in. He lost his trade goods, and his horse, 

 and other property, including " the blue coat in which 

 he had hoped to appear before the Sultan of Timbuctoo." 

 Houghton's actual fate is unknown. He was reckoned 

 a fine example of the British explorer. 



In spite of these discouragements, the African Asso- 

 ciation persevered. They let it be known that they were 

 prepared to give liberal remuneration to a qualified person 

 who should offer his services. 



Sir Joseph Banks was long acquainted with Mungo 

 Park ; who returned from India, in 1793, whither he had 

 been on voyage as assistant-surgeon to an East Indiaman. 

 This appointment had been secured at the instance of 

 Banks, who now recognized the maturing influence of his 

 activities while absent from England. Park was in the 

 flower of early manhood, vigorous in frame, and inured 

 to tropical climates ; passionately fond of travelling ; 

 an expert Naturalist. The offers of the African Associa- 

 tion attracted him, and his services were readily accepted. 



All the world knows of Park's intrepid first journey, 

 which revealed so many of the secrets of the Gambia 

 and hinterland. On his reappearance in London, after 

 nearly three years' absence, the public were no less grati- 

 fied than were the African Association at the issue of his 

 wonderful exploit. Banks and his friends were exultant. 

 They had, at last, a triumphant record for their pains. 

 It was resolved by the Committee that Mr. Park had 

 executed his commission with a degree of perseverance, 

 industry, and ability that entitled him to the warmest 

 approbation of the Society. They further insisted that 

 Park's story be drawn up in narrative form and published 

 for his own profit. 



While Mungo Park was yet in Africa, the Committee 

 sent out a young German, Frederik Hornemann, to whom 

 Banks had previously given the opportunity of training. 

 He learned Arabic, some natural history, and matters 



