Joseph Banks Soc News AutumnWinter 2020

Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 Lepidoptera Handling Collection New Natural Science Centre The Ambivalent Mr Banks Book Reviews Volunteers News Helena Kurczewska

Chairman’s Letter We still have a long way to go, but “There are no problems, only and support future development of thanks particularly to Paul and Trevor, opportunities” This trite oft repeated the Centre. tremendous progress has been made. statement should be of some comfort Let’s hope that the work being done to the trustees of your Society. It is By happy coincidence our good by science will allow a return to hard to imagine a more challenging friends the Horncastle History and normality and that in 2021 we may year than 2020. Heritage Society concluded that catch up with the lectures, activities they should not proceed with the and receptions we are so missing. The problems were obvious; the purchase of their own centre in the Thank you for your support during this year had hardly started before the town and welcomed the opportunity difficult period, all our best wishes for Covid pandemic hit the nation’s to secure office space, and more an exciting new year. high streets. Suddenly there were importantly exhibition space, in the no visitors to the town looking for Sir Joseph Banks Centre. In one move As a complete aside, during the brief interesting shops such as the SJB the Centre has gained the extra window of opportunity we grabbed Centre.With meetings banned the footfall and a volunteer base and a a beautiful autumn break in the Lake upstairs board room had no takers.All clear route map to an exciting future. District. Returning home our search the Society’s planned activities during The Centre will now house not only for lunch led us to Dalemain House. the bicentenary of Sir Joseph’s death the Lincolnshire 21C Herbarium and This minor stately home proved well culminating in the House of Lords’ other collections, the Society’s and worth a visit though sadly time didn’t reception had to be postponed. the Town’s archives, but the exhibition allow a tour of the gardens. Sir Joseph spaces will also be used by both Banks did visit and presented the The opportunities however, did societies working towards museum Hassell family with a Greek Fir which soon appear.The first move was to status. Our ties with Lincoln University still stands. merge the Society and Joseph Banks are being strengthened with three Ltd thereby securing the tenancy for post graduates using the facilities As we say – All roads lead to Banks. the Society. Next, an important tenant for study, whilst the collections are was found for the newly released being developed as a natural history Bob Wayne office space at the Centre, grants were resource by students of all ages. applied for and received to cover rent Dalemain House Gardens 2 Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE

Lepidoptera Handling Collection As part of the Society’s ambition to become an accredited museum we need to be able to demonstrate that we use our collections for educational purposes. We took our first major step towards this recently with the development of a handling collection comprised mainly of moths.We were then able to loan the collection to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Alford to support pupils with their year 11 art mock exams.As can be seen on both our front cover and the images with this article students were able to create amazing artwork based conceptually around our collection.We hope to be able to create other handling collections such as insects and botanic specimens for use as resources by teachers across the curriculum. Lepidoptera is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths.About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera are described in 126 families and 46 superfamilies, 10 per cent of the total described species of living organisms. (Wiki) Our thanks to volunteer Mollie Ingram-Hill for creating the handling collection and for her amazing work with our insect collection. Adsaiya Sanganithy Helena Kurczewska www.joseph-banks.org.uk 3

New Natural Science Centre The Joseph Banks Society is among 162 organisations receiving a lifeline grant from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. Historic sites including the Sir Joseph – something that does not presently exist. The Centre will also host Horncastle Banks Centre will receive help to meet As well as our existing botanical collections History and Heritage Society who are ongoing costs and support to restart we will seek to display objects from across relocating their Town Archives to the activity when it is possible to do so safely. the world representing the travels and centre.This builds on their feasibility The Sir Joseph Banks Society award is work of Sir Joseph Banks. Because of the study carried out before the pandemic to £10,600.00 and we plan to use this to help unique nature of the objects, we believe develop a heritage centre for Horncastle carry out the conversion of the Centre that visitor footfall and associated income at Watson's Yard.These new plans will see into a natural history and local heritage streams will go some way to making the interesting and innovative displays created centre, and to become an accredited Society sustainable. for visitors and locals alike, alongside the museum. Subject to being able to open town's tourist information centre.The safely the society is planning to have a Our plans involve celebrating and history society will be able to share its formal opening in Spring 2021. exploring the cultures of indigenous people collection of Roman artefacts found in from across the world. Our focus will of Horncastle, as well as historic photographs HELP FOR HERITAGE AS SIR JOSEPH course be Australia, New Zealand, and and records related to the Horse Fair, BANKS SOCIETY RECEIVES SUPPORT the Indian Pacific region.This ambition and local characters like hangman William FROM GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE will require skills and knowledge that we Marwood. RECOVERY FUND do not currently have and will therefore necessitate us engaging with a wide range Both organisations are looking forward We aim to create a truly unique natural of sector specialists together with people to working together and plan to hold a history and science centre in Lincolnshire and cultures from across the world. series of events and exhibitions next year. 4 Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE

As well as the History Society Dennis Hill Archive, a small handling Joseph Banks Tribute Garden – collections the Sir Joseph Banks Society herbarium taken from the area around This is a living collection of plants also holds other important collections Gibraltar Point, a collection of entomology associated with Sir Joseph Banks. It is such as – journals, and a photographic slide collection extremely popular and attracts many of natural history specimens from around visitors each year. The Lincolnshire Herbarium is a the world. current HLF project called Lincolnshire Joseph Banks Library – This unique Plants Past and Future; HG-15-03574 Lane-Claypon Watercolour library with many hundreds of books (known as Love Lincs Plants).This Collection, a unique collection of is dedicated to Sir Joseph Banks and to amazing project is helping to teach a paintings of wildflowers growing in other Lincolnshire explorers. It contains a new generation of botanists, conserving Lincolnshire around 1890-1900. Each number of rare and valuable books. a historic herbarium and creating a new painting is dated and has a description and collection of Lincolnshire plants.This new importantly a location which makes it an Our collections, and our unique garden are collection is based within the Sir Joseph important record for the county. visited by local schools, community groups Banks Centre and the Sir Joseph Banks such as garden clubs, history societies, Society's role is to recruit and develop David Robinson OBE – This archive together with students from Lincoln volunteers, equipping them with the skills donated to the society when David died, University on placements.We also attract required to identify, data log, mount and relates to the Lincolnshire activities of many hundreds of visitors (tourists) to curate herbarium specimens. Sir Joseph Banks and contains important the Centre each summer, many of whom research notes collected during David’s life. return each year. Seaward Herbarium, this registered herbarium comprises approx. 1000 plants Alan & Annette Binding – Insect, It is hoped that the new and improved collected from across the world. bugs and spider collection comprising Centre will attract even more visitors to of approx. 3000 specimens collected in Horncastle, boosting the local economy Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. and helping the town recover after the pandemic. Environmental Management Survey The society is pleased to be able to support three post-graduate students who are on the MA Conservation of Cultural Heritage course at the University of Lincoln. Paul Scott outlines the mutual benefits gained by both the SJB Society and Students. Not only do we get an exhaustive students Louise Wood explained: They are surveying three very different environmental survey of the building “As part of one of our modules, we areas of the Centre: the attic, the library carried out, but it also helps with our have been asked to assess a building and and the gallery, and will put forward quest for museum accreditation.This piece evaluate how the internal environment and recommendations about the measures of work will inform us about how, and the condition of the building impacts on that can be taken to contribute to the importantly where, we need to take any the collections within it.As two of us are long-term preservation of the Centre’s actions to keep our collections in as good already members of the Sir Joseph Banks collections. a condition as possible.Areas of concern Society; and given the proposed changes include UV light damage, pest control, to the Society’s activities, it made sense to The Society is now actively supporting temperature and humidity. One of the choose this old, historic building.” and working with eleven students from the University of Lincoln. Eleanor Gaines-Burrill Louise Wood Roksana Drobinoga www.joseph-banks.org.uk 5

The Ambivalent Mr Banks SJBS Trustee Paul Scott makes a personal consideration of Sir Joseph Banks’ place in the contemporary international debate on slavery and its legacy. Recent news broadcasts showing our Chief because at the time Banks was on board Toby Musgrave’s excellent new book, Scientific Officers sharing a platform with the Endeavour with Cook during their The Multifarious Mr Banks makes a similar the Prime Minister and other government circumnavigation of the globe. point. In ‘Some Account of St Helena’, ministers is perhaps a good place to start Banks again displayed his humanitarian side, when discussing the views of Sir Joseph In the earlier part of the voyage Banks expressing a moral disgust for slavery and Banks (1743-1820) towards slavery. It was dismayed by the killing of indigenous the ‘frequent and more wanton cruelties seems pretty clear to me that our present people in Gisborne, New Zealand.There exercised by my country men over these Government's official line is not necessarily are many debates today around what unfortunate people’. 6 one that is shared by the scientists; actually happened there, and the effect of however, their positions dictate that at existing tensions between the Iwi in the Throughout the Endeavour voyage Banks least publicly they toe the line.This, I will area may have been a contributing factor. It and Solander also recorded some of the try to argue, was the case when Sir Joseph is most likely that it was misunderstanding, social and cultural aspects of the societies Banks was President of the Royal Society and not aggression that led to these tragic they encountered. Some years later, when and the de-facto Chief Scientific Officer to deaths. 3 Joseph Banks was haunted as he describing the political system of Tahiti, the Government and the Crown. During described the arrival in Gisborne …. Banks wrote: other periods in his life his real feelings were well known, they were different, and “Thus, ended the most disagreeable The subordination which takes place more importantly they were documented. day My life has yet seen, black be the among them very much resembles mark for it and heavan [sic] send that the early state of the feudal laws by The young Joseph Banks was formed such may never return to embitter future which our ancestors were so long in the fields of Lincolnshire which he reflection…” 4 governed. A system evidently formed considered his home county. Much of his to secure the licentious liberty of a few upbringing was left to his mother because Whilst not a direct comment on slavery while the greater part of the society of a mystery illness that struck his father this clearly demonstrates his respect for is unalterably immersed in the most and left him crippled. His mother was “a other societies and his moral upbringing. abject slavery. 7 lady remarkable for her charities and piety; and devoted to her religious duties in the This voyage provides further evidence of Banks fully intended to accompany Church of England.” 1 Whilst not entirely the views of young Joseph Banks regarding Cook on his second voyage. However following his mother and sister into the slavery.According to Patrick O’Brian in his his demands for modifications to the embrace of religion, there is no doubt that biography of Joseph Banks: ship to accommodate his entourage young Banks would develop a strong sense and equipment proved a disaster and in of morality and duty that would remain …in the middle of April they [Banks fact made the ship un-seaworthy. Banks with him throughout his life. and Solander] sailed from Cape Town withdrew with some poor grace, but for St Helena…. Banks did not think he reconciled himself with a voyage of We know that his mother was much of the place or the people…. exploration to Iceland, and afterwards opposed to slavery as demonstrated by he loathed the presence of slaves, he maintained a close interest in Iceland the extraordinary case of Thomas Lewis. even more their cruel treatment. and its customs and traditions. He was Lewis, a black man who had escaped Many years later Brougham called subsequently instrumental in placing Anglo- from his master was fortunate enough him a high Tory, and perhaps he Icelandic relations on a friendly footing, in the Summer of 1770 to be outside was…. but broadly speaking at that drafting an Order-in-Council, dated 7 Mrs Banks' house when two seamen time the Tories were in favour of the February 1810, which placed Iceland in a attempted to kidnap him and return him slave trade, whereas Banks was as to slavery.Alerted by the struggle, Mrs strongly opposed to it as was Darwin a Banks' servants tried to intervene but a generation or so later. 5 fake warrant for his arrest was presented and they withdrew.The servants informed Mrs Banks and she immediately sought the advice of Granville Sharp, (1735-1813) a prominent campaigner against slavery. They quickly obtained a warrant for the release of Lewis. Eventually a further writ of habeas corpus was served just before Lewis was to be shipped out. Sharp and Mrs Banks' lawyers prevented the resale of Lewis. Mrs Banks also attempted to press charges against Mr Robert Stapylton whose slave Lewis had been, but Lord Mansfield advised her to be content with the victory of gaining freedom for Lewis 2. It is inconceivable that Joseph Banks wouldn’t have supported his mother in principle although he couldn’t do so in practice 6 Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE

state of neutrality and amity with England place and slavery must be abolished not on have some influence on him. Despite for the remainder of the Napoleonic moral principles, which are in my opinion his political conservatism, the fact that war.Thus, Banks acted as the powerful incapable of being maintained in argument, radicals like John Wilkes and Charles protector and benefactor of the Icelanders but on commercial ones which weigh James Fox were on good terms with him, during the war. 8 equally in moral and in immoral minds.’ demonstrates how aware he was of the issues of the day. 11 On his return to England Banks was We can see here a more considered feted by all of the great and the good of approach in which he tries to make The Enlightenment practice of Georgian society, including the King who the case on commercial and not moral contrasting societies and beliefs of non- became his friend. grounds. However, he did not agree with Christian civilisations with Europe sat well the Church which took an abolitionist with Banks’ own view that one society Banks was elected President of the Royal stance. His criticisms centred on his should not be regarded as superior to Society in December 1778, and it was in opinions that it was not theologically others. By the time of his death however, this position that he dominated British justified to take an abolitionist stance nor European imperialism and increased science for a further 41 years.As chief was it the social prerogative of the clergy industrialisation meant that Europeans scientific advisor to both parliament and (be they of the Evangelical or Established had become less inclined to value other the crown every major scientific discovery Church) to become active in the anti- cultures.Was this then perhaps the true or decision would pass across his desk. slavery campaign. 10 starting point of racism, social inequality, This together with his friendship with discrimination and disadvantage? people in high places, not least of all the He believed that there was no evidence King, gave him huge power and influence. in the bible to support their views. NOTES However, it also meant that he had to exercise judgement, and restraint, and from In his last years Banks was clearly able to 1 Edward Smith The Life of Sir Joseph this point onwards his words have to be state his views, particularly after the Slave Banks Cambridge University Press. considered as a reflection of the ‘official Trade Act of 1807 when the slave trade Pg. 5. view’. was abolished, although it remained legal in most of the empire until the Slavery 2 David Olusoga Black and British. In March 1792 he wrote a letter to Abolition act in 1833. A Forgotten History Pan Macmillan. Thomas Coltman saying: Pg. 40 In November 1815 in a letter to William I have no doubt it is impolitic and Wilberforce he wrote: 3 Paul Scott Cook and Endeavour inexpedient to employ slaves when Joseph Banks Society magazine free men can be procured and am When I was five and 20 as I was November 2019 fully convinced that the labour of when I embarked with Captain Cook, slaves is in every instance dearer than I am very sure I should not lose a day 4 Carter H.B. Sir Joseph Banks that of free men deprived of all hope in embarking for Haiti to see human BM(NH) Pg. 85 of improving their circumstances by beings emerging from slavery and successful efforts…. The ambition making the most rapid strides towards 5 Patrick O’Brian Joseph Banks of a slave is to do as little labor the perfection of civilisation, which Collins Harvill. Pg. 47 as possible. must I think be the most delightful of all food for contemplation. 6 Toby Musgrave The Multifarious According to Musgrave, Banks took (Text edited) Mr Banks Yale University Press. a huge interest in the settlement and Pg. 131 development of New South Wales. Banks then appeared at best ambivalent However, he did not generally involve towards slavery throughout his life and 7 John Gascoigne Joseph Banks himself with [the ‘civilising process’ of oscillated between his Enlightenment and the English Enlightenment newly subjugated indigenous peoples], nor faith in the equality of mankind and the Cambridge University press 1994. the oppression of subordinated peoples as practical and commercial considerations of Pg. 132 a labour source.While he did proactively the British Empire. Privately his friendship assist slave-owners by arranging the with notable abolitionists such as Josiah 8 Anna Agnarsdóttir Paper delivered transfer of breadfruit trees from Tahiti to Wedgewood and Joseph Priestley would Wren Library Lincoln Cathedral the West Indies in order to provide a cheap May 2016. Joseph Banks Society foodstuff to feed their human beasts of Granville Sharp archives. burden, he held abolitionist views. 9 9 Toby Musgrave The Multifarious There is however increasing evidence Mr Banks Yale University Press. that some of the earliest collections at Kew were procured by traders and naturalists 10 Toby Musgrave The Multifarious using indigenous people which in some Mr Banks Yale University Press. cases undoubtedly involved slaves. Pg. 179 In the late 1790s, Banks commented 11 John Gascoigne Joseph Banks that he “has become more and more and the English Enlightenment persuaded of the in-utility of slavery and Cambridge University Press 1994. the consequent need to phase it out.” On Pg. 21 6 July 1799, he wrote emphatically to Thomas Grenville, a fellow Privy Councillor, Paul Scott that the threat of competition to West Indian sugar interests from the newly founded French sugar beet industry prompted him to observe that if the West Indies was to continue to compete it must use the ‘labour of free men’.‘In the meantime,’ he continued,‘a struggle almost equal to an earthquake must take www.joseph-banks.org.uk 7

Book Reviews The Botanical Adventures of Joseph Banks by Christina Harrison This book celebrates the bicentenary them himself. He worked closely with how Banks was the lynch pin of so of the death of Joseph Banks and is George III,William Alton and his son much of botanical discovery. Harrison a timely dedication to the botanical W.T. Alton, the great gardeners at further shows how these discoveries successes he brought to Kew.The Kew. He persuaded them to send could be utilised for the benefit of the author, Christina Harrison, is a former out gardeners from Kew to go to country and ensure that Kew became editor of Kew's magazine and has South Africa, China and elsewhere in – as it has remained – the world's degrees in Plant Ecology and Garden the world to search for plants.We foremost botanical garden. History. She has written a very learn that one of Banks’ last letters It will make a good Christmas present. readable book – well researched and in 1820 was to Alan Cunningham, illustrated – drawing on vast material praising him for his work in Australia. Sally Bruce-Gardyne from Kew itself.As Richard Barley, Christina Harrison draws particular Kew's Director of Horticulture, attention to the importance Banks Learning and Operations says in his attached to botanical illustration: foreword: “This book gives us the Ehret for his plants from Labrador and rich and intriguing story of his life and Newfoundland, Sydney Parkinson for reminds us of his lasting impact.” the plants on the Endeavour voyage, and above all, Franz Bauer to whom Shortly after The Endeavour he offered “a generous annual salary returned to these shores Banks and to illustrate and immortalise the plant Solander were presented to George III collections at Kew with both accuracy and a week later Banks was invited and style”. to Kew.Almost from then onwards, Banks was determined to turn the This generous book is thoroughly royal gardens into the truly botanical to be recommended.As Christina gardens with plants from all over the Harrison says in her conclusion, world that it has now become. Early \"Without Banks’ vision Kew may on Banks took enormous pride when simply have remained a small royal new plants arrived and often unpacked garden in a London suburb.\" It shows Discount books available to members In our recent eNewsletter we drew attention to the publication of three new books featuring the life and achievements of Sir Joseph Banks.We have negotiated substantial discounts for all three books exclusively for members of the Society. The Botanical Adventures of Joseph Banks by Christina Harrison Hardback, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Normal price £15.00. For a discount of 30% use code BANKS30. The Multifarious Mr Banks by Tony Musgrave Hardback,Yale University Press 2020. Normal price £25.00. For a discount of 30% use code Y2086. Planting the World by Jordan Goodman Hardback,William Collins 2020. Normal price £25.00 (release date 6 August 2020). A discount of 20% for this book with free postage and packing is available using the code BANKS. Further details of the books can also be found on our website. Stuart Crooks, Membership Secretary 8 Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE

The Multifarious Mr Banks by Toby Musgrave (Yale University Press) The author, Dr Toby Musgrave, has a of the book. Of the 332 pages 103 voyagers’ views about indigenous PhD in Garden History and he has are about the Endeavour voyage peoples and their cultures that is written several books about gardening whilst Chapter 6,‘The Royal Botanic taking place. He refers to two modern and about the origin of plants including Gardens, Kew’, with its three sub- day authoritative authors on this ‘The Plant Hunters’ (1998) which chapters – ‘The Enlightened Botanist’, complex subject. Under the heading he wrote with his brother. He has ‘A New Acquisition Paradigm’, and ‘The Returning Hero Is A Cad’ Banks’ written many articles for periodicals in ‘Botany, Economics and Empire’ – has love life is dissected (p.141). Two Britain and Denmark, where he lives. 47 pages. Chapter 8, about Banks’ pages later, in relation to the Stanfield Therefore he is very well qualified to involvement with the sciences and The Parkinson affair, the author writes write about Banks the botanist. Royal Society, has 56 pages. Chapter 3’s Banks behaved immaturely - ‘Success length might suggest the book is top and media exposure, it seems, had This book has been published on heavy with Endeavour/Botany material, gone to his head: in modern parlance, the 200th anniversary of Banks’ death. but that is not so. On the contrary, the twenty-eight year old had begun to Also its release would have coincided the author has succeeded in writing believe his own publicity’ and behaved with various celebrations of Cook’s a very clear, succinct account of the ‘like a prig’ (p.143). However, on the Endeavour voyage which necessarily voyage, with all the salient facts, in 103 subject of the young marine’s suicide have been postponed or cancelled. pages. As throughout the whole book, on Endeavour the author invites the Apart from these circumstances, it appropriate and referenced quotes reader to see the sensitive side to is time for a new biography of Banks from contemporaneous sources are Banks’ nature (p.73). Banks’ reaction since there has not been one since included. This Endeavour chapter ends to the Resolution debacle is given full Patrick O’Brian’s ‘Joseph Banks:A Life’ with an excellent summary of the coverage under the heading ‘Banks The in 1987 and H. B. Carter’s ‘Sir Joseph voyage from Banks’ viewpoint Egotist’ (pp. 153-7). Banks’ mistresses Banks’ in 1988. Whilst the author (pp.131-36). are discussed (pp.157-61).A verse gratefully acknowledges both these from an affectionate poem Banks authors, much valuable research has There are several references to wrote for his wife is included (p.322). been done since by many including Captain Cook including a biography There are many insights into Banks’ Neil Chambers of The Sir Joseph Banks (pp.46-9), an appraisal of the Cook/ personality throughout the book. Archive Project, who has published Banks relationship (pp.98-9), and much of Banks’ correspondence, and Cook’s Admiralty orders in full There is a very modern, eye-catching Anna Agnarsdóttir on Banks and (pp.94-6). dust jacket. The book contains many Iceland. The bibliography contains illustrations, all of which are relevant a comprehensive list of references Until the end of Chapter 5 the book to the story.There are one or two including Peter Moore’s ‘Endeavour:The is written chronologically. Afterwards typos and more sloppy editing: on page it is written thematically with cross 41 it is stated Endeavour was built Ship And The Attitude That Changed The references to pages already passed or by Fishburn of Whitby and, on page World’ (2018). As is to be expected to come. This might be an irritation, 148, Endeavour was built by William nowadays, the author cites online but this device makes it easier to use Hammond of Hull. There are two references, implying this biography has as a reference. As is to be expected sentences, one on page 76 and the been well researched and is up to date. of this author, he has given plants and other on page 302, that are difficult to animals their common names and understand. In the Introduction the author Latin names. has written an excellent two page The above remarks aside, this summary of the subject’s life and Each chapter ends with the author’s is a very good book.The stages of achievements, and points out that interpretative summing up of the Banks’ life are examined perceptively Banks, once heralded as the most chapter from Banks’ viewpoint. For famous man in Britain, faded into example, in Chapter 8,‘The Scientist obscurity in the century after his Enabler’, under the heading of ‘The death.“It is time we take a new look Clubbist’ the author writes about at this compelling gentleman, who, Banks’ understanding of his world and through his multifarious achievements, about his character which explains shaped the world” (p xvii) – the book’s his achievements as president of The premise succinctly states. Royal Society (p.316). Incidentally this chapter contains a lucid, concise The author has divided the book account of the difficulties Banks up into nine chapters, four of which faced early on in his presidency, a are divided further into sub-chapters. commendable achievement (pp.266-8). Chapter 3, entitled ‘H.M.S. Endeavour’, has six parts: ’Planning’,‘To Tahiti’, The book is no hagiography. There ‘Tahiti At Last’,‘New Zealand’, is criticism of Banks. His comment ‘Botany Bay and Endeavour River’ about keeping the Polynesian Tupaia and ‘Batavia, Home and Outcomes’. as ‘a curiosity’ is described as ‘crass’ There are further divisions of the (p.83). On the same page the author sub-chapters under main headings, goes on to recognise ‘the long a structure that facilitates reading overdue re-evaluation’ of 18th century www.joseph-banks.org.uk 9

and in the context of the times.The is evident the author knows a great credentials this book should appeal to author describes Banks’ actions and deal about all aspects of Banks’ life both generalist and scholar. I have no discusses the consequences. In doing and about contemporaneous affairs. doubt the author will achieve his aim so, he justifies the adjective in the He has written about him in a very to return Banks to his rightful place in title. He invites the reader to reflect interesting and entertaining way. One our history. on ideas such as the psychological is left with a clear, rounded picture of impact of the Endeavour voyage. It Banks as a person.With its academic Patrick Kaye Planting the World. Joseph Banks and His Collectors: An Adventurous History of Botany by Jordan Goodman At the start of this book, Jordan are recounted in a way that covers the desire to promote the wealth, power Goodman states that his aim was to inevitable stresses of the voyages, the and prestige of the British Empire.To focus on Joseph Banks’ love of plants technologies, the characters involved this end “he acted more as a Georgian and on where this love led him. This and the widespread political aspects. gentleman of science than as a has resulted in a book on Banks with Victorian imperialist”. a unique starting point. There are Part IV sees the introduction of 22 chapters chronologically ordered George Caley, the lowly farrier’s son The final section, the Postscript, is a and divided into five parts, each part from Manchester. Goodman writes brief summary of the history of Kew prefaced by a page and a half or so of very engagingly about the relationship Gardens that went into a decline after relevant information to set the context that developed between Caley and Banks’ death. Kew soon recovered and of what follows. During his long life, Banks, the President of the Royal prospered due to the efforts of John Banks had many interests and projects Society, over nearly 25 years. This Lindley and William Jackson Hooker, springing from botany and resulting episode is just one where there is the latter following Banks’ stratagems. in several threads. These the author much enlightening detail about the interweaves very skilfully, and this social mores of the time. The title “Planting The World” is format of the book is a great help in very apposite, the book dealing as it keeping the reader engaged with Goodman cites instances where does with worldwide projects and the narrative. things did not go according to plan. adventures. This is reflected in the David Burton was commissioned dust cover’s very clever design, a ship At the beginning there are seven by Banks to collect seeds in New riding a leaf depicted as a wave. It maps with a key to the relevant South Wales, but death intervened. resonates with many diverse and chapter. There is a list of illustrations Burton accidentally shot himself interesting characters. There are 1642 divided into categories – People, whilst duck shooting and he died footnotes listed and 731 titles in the Things and Places. No image of of infection a week later. On more bibliography, both figures a measure Cook is present. The final list before than one occasion Banks’ plans were of the author’s extensive scholarship. embarking on the subject matter is scuppered, or nearly so, when romance There is plenty of scope here for the one of ‘Dramatis Personae’, a very intervened, as was the case with academic researcher whilst it is an welcome addition since there are 175 Mungo Park and Matthew Flinders. excellent read for the generalist. names here. Banks was quite tetchy on this subject – an irony when his activities as a Patrick Kaye Goodman makes a very interesting young man are remembered. observation in the Prologue about his own thoughts on Banks through Banks never went to sea after 1773; writing this book. Whilst the book so for 47 years Banks was involved is not a biography, there is a brief with “ships and their captains, the but comprehensive one in the oceans they crossed, the ports they Introduction, sub-titled Joseph Banks visited” because the transplantation and Kew. This part contains an of plants was at the heart of Banks’ account of the Endeavour voyage, interests. The author is very adept mainly from Banks’ viewpoint, but it in deflecting any criticism by modern includes a brief biography of Captain environmentalists. Banks was not Cook. References to the Endeavour concerned with any potentially adverse voyage recur throughout the book effect of his projects on local ecologies since that event in Banks’ life was the even though he could be considered an base for much of what followed. ecologist as in his Endeavour journal. Banks felt a successful transplantation Goodman writes:“Building was “an achievement to be celebrated”. chronologically and across the world layer by layer, each chapter reveals how In the Epilogue, Goodman comes to and when Banks became involved…”. Banks’ last years. The author claims This he does very assiduously. Also, Banks was not personally ambitious he gives voice to the other leading with his “extensive botanical projects”, characters, with space for their side of an opinion which links very well with the story. As an example, in Part II, the a quote by Banks on the first page of two breadfruit voyages of Captain Bligh the Introduction. Banks was motivated by his veneration for George III and his 10 Sir Joseph Banks Society MAGAZINE

A Few Cross Words About a Crossword Trustee Trevor Olsson’s account of a crossword competition run on the Society’s email newsletter. Those of you who subscribe to the free 11 22 33 44 55 email newsletter (and if you don’t, perhaps 66 you should), may remember that one of the posts in those antecovidian days was a 77 88 fiendishly difficult Banks’ related crossword, compiled by one Dick Dastardly (me, 99 1100 actually). Despite my fellow trustees (I won’t say naysayers) assuring me that 1122 1111 1133 no one could possibly complete it, the crossword was duly published as a post on 1144 1155 1166 1177 the newsletter. 1188 Sometime later my optimism was justified; an email came in from a subscriber 1199 2200 with a completed crossword – and it was 100% correct! This was marvellous, we 2211 quickly contacted our winner with a view to arranging a presentation of the rather Across Down special prize – a copy of Banks’ Florilegium. 1 Our Patron’s view of JB (10) 1 Ingredient of King Calli (5) Society: “Congratulations, we’d like 7 See 13 down 2 Conifer Leaf (7) to present you with the prize, where are you based?” 8 WSalhaomwanadAseJcrors(o4ep)s hs Banks (MP)? (4) 3 Razorbill (4) Down 9 4 Capital of Tajikistan (8) Winner: “Thank you, Auckland” 10 Had aepc1oa lnaOymmuitorou uPssahCteraroona!nd(’6isa, n5v)Ci ehwris otmf aJsB( 6()1 0) 5 Sarah & Dorothea (5) 1 Ingredient of King Calli (5) Society: “Well, Bishop Auckland is not 12 Our 6 Catkins (6) too far, we’ll drive up” 14 WWihniteefAr7ol dmSeerBe(u7c 1)k t3h odron w(3n) 11 A24lltthhFeesebrvuoayrayge–shweedroee…s2n (’Ct8)tohninikfesor L(6e)af (7) Winner: “Not Bishop Auckland, 16 12 Durham, UK; Auckland, North Island, New Zealand” 19 Drought-tolerant herb (4) 13,7 It’s what we do (7,8) Society: “Gulp” 20 Key par8t oSfatlhaemscaienndtieficr p(r4o)cess (8) 15,21 Incognito no longer (35, 9R)azorbill (4) 21 See 15 down 17 Bouncing offspring (5) (Passing swiftly over the ensuing 9 Who was Joseph Banks (MP)1?8 (H4e) stopped the hemp (44) Capital of Tajikistan (8) expletives), we realised that presenting the prize in person would probably result in (Answers can be found overleaf) the society having to triple the membership 10 Had a calamitous Canadian Christmas (6) 5 Sarah & Dorothea (5) fees! Almost at a stand, we were saved when Bindy Barclay, a New Zealand based Crossword 1co2m Opeutitrio enpwoinnneyrmRaochuase lhFerarnoci!s (6,5) 6 Catkins (6) member, offered to buy a copy of the book locally and fly from her home in 14 White Alder (7) 11 All these voyages were… (8 Christchurch, South Island to deliver the prize. 16 Wine from Buckthorn (3) 12 24th February – he doesn’t Naively, we then thought ‘all’s well that 19 Drought-tolerant herb (4) 13,7 It’s what we do (7,8) ends well’ until, guess what, Auckland went into Level 4 Lockdown, precluding 20 Key part of the scien_fic process (8) 15,21 Incognito no longer (5,9 any travel between the two islands.At that point we regretfully accepted the 21 See 15 down 17 Bouncing offspring (5) inevitable and Bindy posted the book to our deserving winner. 18 He stopped the hemp (4) Hurrah, the crossword post was finally successful – and with a very happy winner! However, given the difficulties faced with this crossword, any suggestion of another is likely to receive a negative response! www.joseph-banks.org.uk 11

Volunteers News In October 2020 volunteers from The Wong Day Service in Horncastle started working alongside The Sir Joseph Banks Centre where we began supporting them in their important and valued work to create a natural history museum. Here is a Volunteers’ checklist of the responsibilities they will be undertaking: Some of the jobs we are taking • In the better weather maintenance of • Mounting the plant specimens onto card, responsibility for are; the garden area will need some TLC, pressing them and recording their details. the raised beds are accessible for our Maintaining the hermetically sealed • Managing the tourist information board group.Tasks will include general weeding/ cabinets and records of specimens. containing leaflets and booklets of local tidying/watering. walks and cycle paths. • In the Spring someone from the botany • Once the correct equipment has been team at SJBC will be accompanying us to • Maintaining and cleaning the displays in purchased, there are many sample slides the Horncastle Community Woodland the former shop area – these need daily that need to be photographed, scanned, on a Friday.They will support the people cleaning to ensure information can be identified and categorised. we support (PWS) to collect local plant displayed correctly and clearly. specimens, record & categorize them. The SJBC keeps a copy and another copy goes to The Natural History Museum in London.The PWS who collect that specimen will have their name displayed on these records. It’s only early days but so far we are enjoying and taking pride in our work. CROSSWORD ANSWERS P AN J A N D R UM I E L UX A S C I ENC E S O LMS EDA HR E AY L E MA S S O N ENT J O S E P H BA N K S U A EA C L E THRA TE J I E L TUO GUA R 0BSERV E S S RU AA Y AUS T RA L I S Patrons: Sir David Attenborough and The Rt Hon The Lord Waldegrave of North Hill President: Professor Libby John Sir Joseph Banks Society Trustees: Bob Wayne (Chairman), Stuart Crooks (Vice-Chairman and Membership Secretary), Richard Locke-Wheaton (Treasurer), Frances Carr (Hon Secretary), Heather Slater (Magazine) Lady Sally Bruce-Gardyne (Garden Supervisor),Trevor Olsson (Website) and Paul Scott (Curator) Contacts Magazine Editor: Heather Slater Letters to the editor and proposals for articles are always welcome. Email: [email protected] Sir Joseph Banks Centre – Headquarters and Natural History & Heritage Centre 11 Bridge Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5HZ • +44(0)300 302 0049 • Shop: 01507 700012 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.joseph-banks.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1127728 Designed and Printed by Cupits, Horncastle • www.cupits.com