56 
3- Banks and Plants for New South 
Wales. 
In the unique position he held at Kew he was able to further the 
interests of that estabhshment as well as that of the infant colony of 
New South Wales, cases and seeds of useful plants being sent to the 
antipodes, while the cases were returned to England with hving plants 
for the Royal Gardens, together with seeds of interesting plants. 
It is proper to assume that he was the principal adviser of Governor 
Phillip in the introduction of economic plants on the foundation of 
the colony of New South Wales. 
On 27th April, 1789, Banks proposed * * * § to Under-Secretary Nepean 
to fit the “ Guardian ” for the reception of pots to convey Port 
Jackson plants for His Majesty’s garden at Kew, and for the conveyance 
of useful plants to the Colony. The suggestion was renewed by Banks, 
30th April, 1794.f as regards the “ Rehance ” (Captain Portlock). 
The subject was again brought forward, 15th May, 1798,j this time in 
regard to George Suttor, who was about to leave for Sydney. Particu- 
lars of the “ plant cabin ” of the “ Porpoise ” are given.§ Suttor 
took out a collection of economic plants, chiefly from Kew. The 
plant-boxes of the “ Porpoise ” were afterwards transferred to the 
tween decks, and there is considerable correspondence on the subject,]] 
which, on account of the valuable collection of plants, was deemed to 
be of high importance. 
Some additional plants received by Suttor on the “ Porpoise ” were 
■enumerated byhim on 16th May and 8th November, 1799.^ Unfor- 
tunately the plants sent by the “ Porpoise ” failed. King writes to 
Banks mider date 20th November, 1800** : — 
I am sorry to say that not one of the plants planted in England has arrived. 
There are a few Cape plants, such as vine cuttings and a mulberry or two — sorry 
I am not to be able to give you a better account of what has cost you so much 
labour and expense. 
^ Hist. Rec., i (2), 229, 247. 
Ib., ii, 210. 
t lb., iii, 382. 
§ Ib., 407. 
II Ib., 538, 546. See also 644-647, 739. 
t Ib., 672, 709, 739. 
•*Ib., Iv, 257. 
