438 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



agriculture, especially in the im})rovenient of the Merino sheep in Lin- 

 colnshire, he was for many years the President of the Eoyal Society, I 

 and always a generous helper of all eminent societies as well asij 

 individuals. j 



The author takes us round the world with Banks and Cook. 

 Being a wealthy man, no expense was spared in securing the aid of' 

 good collectors and artists ; so that the botanical and other treasures 

 were great and valuable. 



He next takes us to Iceland, and describes Cook's second and third, 

 journey; while the unfortunate mutiny of the Bounty finds a place. 



Banks was elected President of the Eoyal Society in 1778, andj 

 although he was a most worthy and zealous patron of science, somei 

 did not like his masterful manner. He determined to restore tliej 

 older restrictions as to candidature for membership. " He would havej 

 the Eoyal Society so far exclusive as to forbid the admission of such 

 gentlemen who seemed to regard the distinction mainly as a step in' 

 personal advancement." There were consequently eleven rejections 

 in the first five years. A certain number wished to reject him, but 

 when put to the vote, 119 were " Ayes " for him, and forty-two 

 " Noes " ! 



Banks came in contact with George III. by his great interest in 

 Kew Gardens. He paid much attention to, and provided for collectors 

 of exotic plants, and had an enormous correspondence. "Before 

 many years passed there was scarcely any part of the world where 

 there was not some one or other in touch with Banks." He had u 

 wonderful way of kindling enthusiasm in others for botanical service. 



An interesting chapter is devoted to " Plant Collectors, &c." 01 

 those we read of Corneille, an officer of the E.LC. ; Dr. Konig, of 

 Livonia; Dr. W. Eoxburg, of Indian fame; Dr. Melville, Governor li 

 of Grenada, Dominica, &c. ; and others. In 1809 Mr. W. J. Hookei 

 made a botanical tour in Iceland, taking a kindly message from Banks 

 to Olaf Stephens^, an old Icelandic friend of Banks. Unluckih 

 Hooker lost all his plants in a fire on his way home. Banks suppliedj' 

 him with his own memoranda for Hooker's " Tour in Iceland." ' 



" The Founding of Australia " has a chapter; some account o; 

 this has already been published by Mr. J. H. Maiden's "Banks; 

 the Father of Australia." j 



Space will not allow more, but the above will show anyone keenlj 

 interested in this wonderful man that the book will be profoundljj 

 interesting from beginning to end. ! 



" Flow to Cook Vegetables." By C. Flerman Senn. 8vo., 22( 

 pp. (Tlie Food Pubhshing Agency, London, 1911.) 2s. net. 



How many a time and oft has a good gardener cause to com' 

 plain that the kitchen does not know how to deal properly with thj 

 vegetables with which he daily supplies it ! Some cooks and somj 

 housekeepers seem to have no single idea with regard to vegetable 

 save that they should be boiled and served ivith meat ! 



