SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 361 



abandoned this enterprise so near his heart. The name 

 of the wrong-doer must not be suffered to perish, and 

 thus escape the scorn which it so well deserves from each 

 friend of science, and of a liberal and enlightened national 

 policy ; nor must it be concealed even because of the great 

 service he had before rendered by his patronage of Oapt. 

 Cook. The Comptroller who thus thwarted both the 

 wishes of the scientific world and the views of his own 

 official superiors, probably from being one that 



Hated learning worse than toad or asp, 



was Sir Hugh Palliser. The common report that Capt. 

 Cook had himself objected to and frustrated Sir Joseph's 

 plan of accompanying him, appears contrary to all pro- 

 bability, and it rests on no evidence whatever. A letter 

 of the Captain's is given in the Appendix, and it betokens 

 an entire disposition to aid his friend and fellow voyager 

 in his arrangements. 



Mr. Banks, however, was determined not altogether to 

 lose the fruits of his extensive and costly preparations for 

 an expedition which he was thus prevented from joining. 

 He fitted out a voyage to Iceland, which he undertook 

 with his trusty and tried friend, Dr. Solander, and with 

 a Swedish clergyman, Dr. Von Troil, of Iceland. In- 

 cluding draughtsmen, secretaries, seamen and attendants, 

 there were forty persons in company ; and in August, 

 1772, they reached the island. They remained there for 

 a month, examining everything that related to its natural 

 history, and especially the volcano, Hecla, and the 

 boiling springs, Reykum and Geyser, for which it is 

 famous. A rich collection of books and manuscripts was 

 likewise purchased, and presented by Mr. Banks to the 



