note); Royal Society's Catalogue, 1, 147; vi, 573; vii, G5. The above is based on (1). An excellent though brief account of his work will be found at (3). See also (6).
Backhouse was an admirable botanist and collected in every Australian colony, also in Norfolk Island. I have given an account of his South Australian work in (5) where is a list of species which commemorate him. He wrote the following, which contain many valuable botanical observations:—"Extracts from the letters (and journal) of J. B. . . in Van Dieman's Land and New South Wales (Australia, Mauritius, South Africa), accompanied by G. W. Walker." London, 1838-41, 8 vo. "A narrative of a visit to the Australian Colonies." London, 1843, 8 vo. "A narrative of a visit to Mauritius and South Africa." London 1844, 8vo. At Kew there is a MS. volume labelled "Backhouse, James, Botany of New South Wales" (2 vols, fol.)
Banks, Joseph (1743 - 1820). Born in London 13th February, 1743, died near the same city 19th June, 1820. He was the only son of William Banks of Revesby, Lincolnshire, who left him a large fortune. Educated at Christchurch, Oxford, D.O.L. 1771, baronet 1781, K.B. 1795, Privy Councillor 1797. President of the Royal Society from 1778 until his death. With Cook on his voyage of circumnavigation (1768—1771) during which New South Wales was discovered. Banks maintained a scientific and art staff on Cook's ship, the "Endeavour," Solander being the principal member of it. He made large botanical collections in "New South Wales" (Botany Bay and Endeavour River) which formed the basis of a fine illustrated work (engraved at his expense) recently issued by the Trustees of the British Museum. He was the personal friend of King George III. and had the oversight of the Royal Garden at Kew. By virtue of his position as President of the Royal Society he was the arbiter of science in Britain for many years. He
