294 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



most agreeable companions, and Sir Joseph was cheerful 

 and much at his ease, which was not always the case 

 when in town." 



Barrow's writings on the great voyagers were of high 

 interest to Banks. Sir Joseph writes : " You must come 

 and dine with us some day to meet old Scoresby, the 

 celebrated whale-fisher, who has given me more informa- 

 tion about the ice in those regions than any other I have 

 conversed with." Barrow had the satisfaction of filling 

 this engagement to meet Captain Scoresby. 1 He was 

 ardent to co-operate with Banks in promoting Captain 

 Parry's voyage to the Arctic Seas. As to Geographical 

 research generally, the mantle of Banks was now being 

 shifted to the shoulders of Barrow, who, some few years 

 later, took a leading part in the founding of the Royal 

 Geographical Society. 



The faithful Barrow's personal attention to Banks 

 in these latest years was almost filial. He was Banks's 

 right-hand man in the various scientific duties which 

 continued in operation until the very last. The affec- 

 tionate references to him which have just been quoted are 

 the very best testimony to Banks's power to attract such 

 men. 



William Jackson Hooker was a rather notable acquisi- 

 tion to Banks's coterie during his later years. Their 

 friendship appears to have begun about the year 1806. 

 But as Hooker lived at Halesworth, partner in a brewery 

 concern, he could not be part of the London circle of 

 naturalists. The excursion to Iceland brought him very 

 closely in association with Banks. After this, they had 

 much in common as long as Banks lived. 



When the Tour in Iceland was being prepared for the 

 printer, Banks lent him some memoranda (probably the 



1 Scoresby speaks warmly of Banks's kindness and assistance ; 

 including the loan of valuable instruments for submarine work (Arctic 

 Regions, vol. I). 



