THE SCOFFER ABROAD 181 



and valued solely on account of the beautiful Red which 

 encircles its body, and the shining spot on its breast ; a 

 distinction which never fails to render caterpillars valu- 

 able." Banks had just been made a K.B. 



When Sir Joseph had occasion to rebuke any one, he 

 stated his case without heat and without exaggeration. 

 But he did not mince matters. Nor was there any antici- 

 patory excuse or palliation. The really great-natured 

 man does not proceed to extremities until compelled ; 

 and only at that point because any sense of personal in- 

 jury is subordinate to a sense of outraged principle. It 

 is this latter feeling that creates surprise, and even resent- 

 ment, in persons who have supposed that they can go to 

 any length they like in imposing on good nature. Banks 

 was frequently being imposed upon, either by friends and 

 acquaintances, or by outside adventurers. There was 

 really, in his case, a premium on presumption. 



Mr. Pennant, in his Autobiography, 1 speaks of a rup- 

 ture which occurred between himself and Banks, but 

 which presently blew over. It was caused by the mis- 

 conduct of J. F. Miller, the artist of Banks's Icelandic 

 plants, and the occasional draughtsman of flowers for 

 him. Banks had always treated Miller very liberally. 

 But the day came when he must needs dismiss him from 

 friendship. 



Sir Joseph Banks to Thomas Pennant. 



" SOHO SQUARE, May 4, 1783. 



" DEAR SIR, On my return to town after the Easter 

 holidays I received a message from you by Mr. Dryander 

 informing me that you had purchased from Miller, whom I 

 took with me as my articled draughtsman to Iceland, cer- 

 tain drawings of that country, and enquiring if I had any 



1 Literary Life of the late Thomas Pennant, Esq. (London, 1793). 



