324 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



" Thanks for kind Inquiries." All branches of the Fine 

 Arts are here represented, by engravings generally in 

 the best possible execution. Nearly every object in 

 Nature and in imaginative Art has been laid under con- 

 tribution to furnish dainty designs. Vases f trees, gon- 

 dolas, cupids, ruins, temples, ships, vie with birds, snakes, 

 wild animals, agricultural and architectural objects ; set 

 in scrolls, squares, ovals, wreaths, or festoons ; some 

 embossed, many coloured ; some humorous, as if en- 

 graved for the purpose of being " collected " (including 

 one of Sir Joseph Banks upon a tiny map of Iceland). 

 Every country appears to be represented, France, 

 Italy, and Germany contributing most largely to the 

 store. 



These worthy people lived well in the fashion. In 

 her younger days Miss Banks went about in the best 

 style. She dressed well, and drove a tandem in Hyde 

 Park. But, according to one informant, 1 she lost the 

 inclination for a specially elegant appearance out of 

 doors. " She was looked after by the eye of astonishment 

 wherever she went. Her dress was that of the old school ; 

 her Barcelona quilled petticoat had a hole on either side 

 for the convenience of rummaging two immense pockets, 

 stuffed with books . . . both she and Lady Banks, in 

 compliment to Sir Joseph, had their riding-habits of 

 wool made out of his own produce ; in which dresses the 

 ladies appeared on all occasions." A tall servant, with 

 a taller stick in his hand, went with her everywhere. 

 The same writer tells of his once taking an immense num- 

 ber of tradesmen's tokens to Soho Square ; with a note 

 begging Mistress Banks to accept of any she might want. 

 She politely called upon Mr. Smith, and thanked him ; 

 but, strange as it might seem, she regretted to say that 



1 J. T. Smith : A Book for a Rainy Day. 



