THE END 325 



out of so many hundreds there was not one that she was 

 in want of. 1 



Sir Joseph sent all his sister's coins, books, and curiosi- 

 ties to the British Museum, offering the selection of any- 

 thing the Trustees did not already possess. As most of 

 her collections were unique in their way, the Museum 

 profited considerably by the opportunity. 



The End was now in view. References to Banks occur 

 in private letters between friends, bearing solicitude on 

 account of his pains and his growing weakness, mixed 

 with a sense of satisfaction that his strong and still 

 vigorous mind supported him through it all. And, 

 probably with sincerity, it was not uncommon to express 

 an opinion of the great loss to Science death would prove. 2 



When the year 1820 opened, Sir Joseph was still at his 

 post. He occupied the chair at the Council of the Royal 

 Society on January 13, 20, and 27, and once in February. 

 March 16 was the last day of his appearing in the seat 

 which he had occupied for so many years with such dis- 

 tinction. On May 18 Sir Everard Home informed the 

 Council that the President had sent in his resignation of 

 the post. But it was resolved unanimously by those 

 present (Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle, in the chair), 

 " That instead of accepting the resignation of the Presi- 

 dent, the Council do with one voice express their most 



1 Miss Banks had the distinction, common to all persons who 

 were in any way " quaint " or " unconventional," of being numbered 

 among the inspirations of James Gillray. The Caricaturist drew a 

 humorous picture of An Old Maid on a Journey carrying a lap-dog 

 and fan, and parasol ; servants follow, bearing packages, a bird-cage, a 

 cat, etc. (published November, 1804). A reproduction of this appears 

 on the adjoining page. 



2 One odd relic found among his papers (N.H. Mus.) is an anony- 

 mous letter to Banks, signed F.R.S. (March, 1819). After it is written 

 with some pathos " From an old man to an old man." After pious 

 allusion to the impending act of Providence in removing him, " We must 

 look forward to that hour with calm fortitude," and begs him to nomi- 

 nate his successor ! 



