1775—SO.]

THE ROYAL SOCIETY.

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enabled him to carry them on without embarrassment,the sublimity of their nature and the vastness of theirextent made it impossible for him to tire, or be outof employment 28 .”

Ilis reputation was as extensive as the bounds ofcivilization. In London he was known to all: and itis related, that when Omai, the Tahitian, who wasbrought to England on the return of Cook’s secondexpedition, and to whom Sir Joseph manifested greatkindness, lost himself in the streets of the metropolis,he was accustomed to call out, “Sir Joseph Banks ,take me to Sir Joseph Banksand so well was thehospitable abode of his benefactor known, that hiswishes were always carried into execution.

At length, full of years and honour, this patronof science died 29 . The event took place at his houseat Spring Grove, near London , on the 19th June,1820. He left the greater part of his property toLady Banks, at whose death, in default of issue, theestates devolved to Sir Henry Hawley and ColonelStanhope. By a codicil, dated 21st January, 1820, hegives Robert Brown, Esq., F.R.S., an annuity of200£,with a life-use of his library, collections, &c., kept inthe back part of his house, in Soho Square ; and afterthe decease of Mr. Brown, he gives the same to thetrustees of the British Museum .

28 Hunt. Oration ., by Everard Home , p. 33.

29 Sir Everard Home states, that Sir Joseph Banks was ofopinion, that it was the duty of every man of independent fortuneto be always ready to give his services gratis to his countrywhen required. “ He carried this so far,” adds Sir Everard , “ as tochoose a lizard for his crest, as the animal that is most useful,living on insects, hut in no way destroying the food of man.”

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