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I. Works Written. Edited by or 
concerning Banks. 
Banks did not write much, or rather he did not puhhsh much. In 
his early days, at least, he wrote a great deal on Natural History, and 
his observations were often shrewd, and indicate the true scientific 
spirit. He was of a very magnanimous nature — he gave away things 
during all his life, and these gifts included the manuscripts of his 
travels. From middle life to old age he was President of the Royal 
Society, and his self-imposed duties in regard to New South Wales, 
and to Kew, left him little time for literary pursuits and scientific 
research. At the same time a good deal has been written about him, 
for he was the most conspicuous scientific figure of his time. 
A . — Banks as an Author. 
1. “ Report of Select Committee on Returns presented to the House 
of Commons respecting convicts.” (Extract from House of Commons 
Journal, 1779). 
Sir Joseph Banks was examined as to the practicahihty of a new 
colony, and recommended Botany Bay. He gives a general accoimt 
of the country. Partly on this evidence rests Banks’ claim to be 
considered as the founder of Australia. 
2. “ Journal of the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart, K.B., P.R.S. 
During Captain Cook’s First Voyage in H.M.S. “ Endeavour,” in 
1768-71, to Tierra del Fuego, Otahite, New Zealand, AustraUa, the 
Dutch East Indies.” Edited by Sir Joseph Hooker, 1896. 
I have already referred to this work at some length, and submit 
that it establishes the reputation of Banks as a naturahst. The 
journal, as edited, does not do him full justice, since it is abbreviated, 
perhaps because it was printed from a copy of a copy. 
I have seen Banks’ original journal, written in his own hand — a 
monument to his industry and to his scientific acumen. (Now in the 
Mitchell Library, Sydney.) 
3. “ A Short Account of the Cause of the Disease in Corn, called by 
Farmers the Blight, the Mildew, and the Rust.” Nicholson, Journ, x, 
1805, pp. 225-234; Tilloch, Phil. Mag. xxi, 1805, pp. 320-327 ; Annals 
of Botany ii, 1806, pp. 51-61. 
