170 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



distinction for twenty years. But he carried his financial 

 troubles with him. He had to make an arrangement 

 with his creditors. The Duke of Brunswick appears to 

 have acted a friendly part, and probably aided the 

 unlucky debtor. But, presently, it was discovered that 

 within the schedule of his debts Forster had omitted to 

 mention the 250 due to Banks. The latter was angry, 

 and expostulated ; he would have at least some formal 

 security, even if only the son at Cassel would give it. 

 He did not expect to see the money again, but security 

 he must have. His language to the agent of the Duke 

 was very determined ; his letter rather warmly insisted 

 that the legal proceedings in the case did not accord with 

 his sense of justice ; and he meant to have it in his 

 power to enforce the payment if ever Forster's circum- 

 stances should improve, " and no one can say that some 

 time or other that may not be the case." 



Georg Forster was not more fortunate in his pecuniary 

 affairs. He was in arrears for five years' subscription to 

 the Royal Society. Upon his request that they would 

 excuse the debt altogether, Sir Joseph told him that the 

 Council " were unanimous in opinion that his petition 

 could not be granted, without a precedent likely to be 

 disadvantageous to the finances of the Society." 



In spite of these petty difficulties, Sir Joseph Banks 

 was always kindly disposed toward the Forsters, admired 

 their mental gifts, and was sufficiently desirous for their 

 worldly advancement. The progress of scientific in- 

 vestigation was, after all, a passion with Banks ; this 

 involved a sure regard for men like the Forsters, not- 

 withstanding their inability to keep a good footing in 

 their more worldly affairs. Nor was he niggardly toward 

 them. J. R. Forster published at Halle, in 1781, in 

 Latin and German, " Illustrations of Natural History, 

 15 plates, small folio. Engraved at the joint expense of 

 Sir Joseph Banks, Mr. J. G. Loten, and Mr. Pennant." 



