Letter received by Banks from George Bass, 27 May 1799 (Series72.005) - No. 0004

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rare or new pheasant shot near the Hawkesbury river the other a runner which a greyhound after some length of chace [chase] caught near the Derwent River in Van Diemens Land.

A tin cannister is filled with metallic particles brought from one of Furneaux's Islands.

My state of health does not permit me to return to England by Cape Horn and the high southern latitudes. I have, therefore, quitted the Reliance to take a warm weather passage by the way of China, but shall send my little collection by her;  so that it will arrive before me.  It is, then, that the box should not reach you before the account of what it contains, that I have taken the liberty of writing this long letter.

Sir I am,
Your very humble servant

Geo:  Bass