200 
SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 
The British Government decided to despatch a man-of-war, the 
“ Investigator,” to Australia to undertake coastal surveys and to 
make discoveries in natural history. Brown was naturalist to the 
expedition (see above, page 102),and Flinders was appointed to the 
command. Following is his own statement of the circumstances which 
led u]) to the voyage : — 
On the arrival of Hi.s Majesty’s ship “ Reliance ” in England at the latter end 
of 1800, the charts of the new discoveries were ])ublished, and a plan was proposed 
to the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks for completing the investigation of the coasts 
of Terra Au.stralis. The plan was apjwoved by that distinguished patron of science 
and useful enterprise ; it was laid before Earl Spencer, then first Lord Commis- 
sioner of the Admiralty; and finally received the sanct on of His Majesty, who 
was graciously j)leased to direct that the voyage should be undertaken, and I had 
the honour of being appointed to the command.* 
Flinders writes to Banks from Sheerness, 24th January, 1801, t 
giving an account of the equipment of his ship and of his crew. He 
adds, ‘‘ Well knowing. Sir Joseph, how much you are interested in 
the voyage, I take the liberty of speaking at length upon the subject, 
and, if it meets your approbation, I shall continue to mention the 
wants we may have, and the alterations that may be necessary, 
hoping for your assistance in forwarding their accomplishment.” 
Banks, of course, had the appointment of the scientific staff ; he also 
fixed their salaries. 
Flinders writes three other letters to Banks in quick succession, 
indicating matters in which the latter’s influence at the Admiralty 
would expedite affairs for the voyage. Flinders discusses a “ green- 
house ” for the “ Investigator.” 
Following were Flinders’ official instructions in this matter ; doubt- 
less the work of Banks ; — - 
And whereas you have been furnished with a plant cabin for the purpose of 
dej)ositing therein such plants, trees, shrubs, &c., as may be collected during the 
survey above-mentioned, you are, when you arrive at Sydney Cove, to cause the 
said plant cabin to be fitted up by the carpenter on the quarter deck of the sloop 
you command, according to the intention of its construction ; and you are to 
cause boxes for containing earth to be made and placed therein, in the same 
manner as was done in the plant cabin carried out by the “ Porpoise ” store ship, 
which plant cabin you will find at Sydney Cove. 
Von are to place the said plant cabin, with the boxes of earth contained in it. 
under the charge and care of the naturalist and gardener, and to cause to be planted 
therein during the survey, such plants, trees, shrubs, &c., as they may think 
suitable for the Royal Gardens at Kcw,- and you are, as often as you return to 
Sydney Cove, to cause the said plants to be deposited in the Governor’s garden 
and under his charge, there to remain until you sail for Europe. And so soon 
as you shall be preparing to return home, you are to cause the small plant cabin 
to be removed from the sloop’s quarter deck, and the one brought out by the 
“ Porpoise ” (which is something larger), to be placed there in its stead. In this 
last-mentioned cabin the naturalist and gardener are to place the plants, trees, 
• ■■ Voyage to Terra Australis,” i (Introduction, cciv). 
t Hist. Rec., iv, 291. 
t Ib., 298. 
