BENTHAM. 7 



planted by him into the colonies, the bread fruit tree of the Pacific 

 introduced into the tropical soil of America, and the flax of New 

 Zealand brought into Europe. While among animals, the black 

 swan and the kangaroo were brought from Australia and introduced 

 into this country by this eminent man. 



Sir Joseph Banks was married but had no family. He continued 

 to fill the honourable office of President of the Royal Society for the 

 unprecedented period of nearly forty-two years, enjoying, during 

 that time, the 'correspondence and confidence of most of the dis- 

 tinguished men of learning both of this and other nations. His 

 name was enrolled amongst the associates of almost every academy 

 and learned society in Europe. His house and table were ever open 

 for the reception and entertainment of all those who were eminent 

 for their scientific attainments, with that spirit of liberality so con- 

 ducive to the union of interests and co-operation of efforts, requisite 

 for the cultivation of knowledge. During the latter part of his life 

 Sir Joseph Banks was a great sufferer from the gout, and during 

 the last fourteen years was almost deprived of the use of his feet 

 and legs. At last, he gradually sank under the exhausting effects 

 of this ailment, and died at his villa at Spring Grove, Hounslow, in 

 the seventy-eighth year of his age. He was succeeded in the chair 

 of the Royal Society by Dr. Wollaston for the remainder of the 

 year, until the election of Sir Humphry Davy on the anniversary of 

 the Society in November. Memoir of Sir J. Banks, by Dr. P. M. 

 Roget, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eighth Edition. Welds' History of 

 the Royal Society, with Memoirs of the Presidents. London, 1848. 

 Brougham's Lives of Philosophers. London and Glasgow, 1855. 



BRIGADIER-GENERAL SIR SAMUEL BENTHAM. 



Born January 11, 1757. Died May 31, 1831. 



Sir Samuel Beritham was the youngest son of Jeremiah Bentham, 

 and brother of Jeremy, the celebrated jurist. He was placed when 

 very young at a private school, from whence, at the age of six, he 

 was sent to Westminster. His father occupied a house in Queen's 

 Square Place, in the stable-yard of which were spacious workshops, 

 let to a carpenter ; here Samuel used to spend all his leisure time, 

 and soon acquired considerable skill in handling tools, for when 

 only thirteen years old he had managed to construct with his own 

 hands a carriage, for a young friend and playmate, Miss Cornelia 

 Knight At the age of fourteen he exhibited so strong a taste for 

 naval matters, that his father yielded to his wishes, and bound him 



