MOMENTOUS DECISION: DISCOUERl’ OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 33 
Eucalyptus kino and grass-tree gum were duly noted. 
Of plants in general the country affords a far larger variety than its barren 
appearance seemed to promise; many of these no doubt possess properties which 
might be useful for physical and economic properties which we were not able 
to investigate. 
Indeed we know that the interesting nature of the Australian flora 
impressed itself very strongly on Banks, and he spent much of his 
time and a considerable portion of his fortune in the investigation 
of it. 
Turning to zoology — the study of this science also was prompted 
in a measure by the necessities of their hungry stomachs. 
For quadrupeds, birds, fish, &c., I shall say no more than that we had some 
time ago learned to eat every single species that came in our way; a hawk or a 
crow was to us as delicate, and, perhaps, a better relished meal than a i)artrid e 
or a ])heasant to those who have plenty of dainties. 
This gives a little side-light on the hardships of these early voyages- 
We must remember that Banks was a young and wealthy gentleman, 
and yet, in the pursuit of science, he entered on a costly, lengthy, 
and dangerous voyage, with cramped accommodation, often unhealthy 
surroundings, and always inferior food. 
His observations on insects and marine animals are always interesting, 
while his account of the aborigines is remarkably full and accurate, 
considering his limited opportunities for investigation. Thus he 
discusses their food and their methods of cooking it, their appliances, 
their method of obtaining fire, their language, &c. 
1770. 27th August. The “Endeavour” left Australia and shaped 
for New Guinea. Departing thence they went to Batavia, and much 
fever resulted — Cook, Banks, and Solander being all attacked. “ We 
buried here eight people.” Banks takes the opportunity of giving a 
very interesting account of Batavia and its inhabitants. 
Then sail was made for the Cape of Good Hope. On the way more 
of the officers and crew died, and the ship arrived at Capetown on 
14th March, 1771. 
An interesting account of the country in the vicinity follows, and 
then home via St. Helena and Ascension, the good ship “ Endeavour ” 
arriving at Deal on 12th July, 1771, after an ab.sence from England 
of nearly three years. 
(Appendix.) 
A RELIC OF COOK’S “ ENDEAVOUR.” 
To the Editor of ’’^The Sydney Morning Herald,” {5th January, 1906). 
Sir, — In reading recently a work entitled “ Transatlantic Tracings ; or Sketches 
of Persons and Scenes in America,” by the author of “ Lions; Living and Dead ” 
(? John Ross Dix), London, Tweedie, 18.53, I came across (pp. 96-7) a passage 
relating to the ship of the great navigator. Cook; “ I [the author] was one day 
conversing with an English gentleman, on one of the wharfs at Newport (Rhode 
C 
