194 
SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 
anything, by the ‘ Investigator.’ ” He also sends a specimen of 
sandalwood from Fiji and from the Moluccas. 
On 21st July, 1805,* he states the efforts he had made to secure 
the release of Flinders, and gives a very interesting account of the 
l^rogress of the wool industry, and of Macarthur’s connection there- 
witli. 
At this place Captain Macarthur’s own report of the state of his 
flocks, “ with some observations on the advantages which may be 
expected from the growth of fine wool in New South Wales,” dated 
2nd October, 1805,| may be referred to. 
.3. Captain William Bligh, R.N. A highly important result of the 
Cook- Banks Voyage in the “ Endeavour,” was the discovery of the 
bread-fruit tree in Otaheite (Tahiti). Banks drew attention to 
this wonderful food plant for tropical countries, and Bligh’s voyage 
in the “ Bounty ” was to take a consignment of these trees to the 
AVest Indies. The bread-fruit proved a great boon to the coloured 
population. An official notification of the gratitude of the people 
of Jamaica in regard to the plant is referred to at page 58. 
Bligh was born in 1753, and early joined the navy. 
On Gth August, 1787, J Bligh writes to Banks: 
1 have heard the flattering news of your great goodness to me, intending to honour 
me u ith the command of the vessel which you propose to go to the South Seas, &c. 
This vessel was the “ Bounty.” 
On 5th November he ^^Tites from the “ Bounty,” at Spithead,§ 
and gives Banks an account of his preparations, and concludes his 
letter — “ Difficulties I laugh at whilst I have your countenance,” &c. 
On 13th October, 1789, he wwites from Batavia,]] announcing the 
mutiny of the “ Bounty,” and his arrival, in broken health, after the 
wonderful voyage of 3,000 miles in an open boat, in which, with certain 
members of the crew, he was placed by the mutineers. An enclosure 
of this letter gives a full account of the mutiny of the “ Bounty.” 
“ I have not given so full an account to the Admiralty,” he says. 
It is interesting to note that Bligh followed Captain Cook in putting 
into Adventure Bay, South Tasmania, with H.M.S. “ Bounty,” in 
1788, and with the “ Providence ” and “ Assistance,” in 1792, for the 
purpose of obtaining wood and water.^ 
» Hist. Rec., V, 671. 
t /h. V. 707. 
t /!)., i (2), 109. 
§ II)., 117. 
I Ih., 267. 
i; Bligh’s “ Voyage to the South Seas." 
