Certain West Indian planters were of opinion that it would be advantageous to establish the trees on their islands and to encourage the consumption of the fruit by their slaves.
Not only was it considered that the use of breadfruit would cheapen the cost of the slaves' living, but--a consideration that weighed both with the planters and the British Government in view of existing relations with the United States--it was also believed that it would "lessen the dependence of the sugar islands on North America for food and necessaries."* (* Bryan Edwards History of the British West Indies 1819 1 40.) The planters petitioned the Government to fit out an expedition to transplant trees from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

Sir Joseph Banks strongly supported them, and Lord Hood, then First Lord of the Admiralty, was sympathetic.

In August, 1787, Lieutenant Bligh was appointed to the command of the Bounty, was directed to sail to the Society Islands, to take on board "as many trees and plants as may be thought necessary," and to transplant them to British possessions in the West Indies.
The vessel sailed, with two skilled gardeners on board to superintend the selection and treatment of the plants.

Tahiti was duly reached, and the business of the expedition was taken in hand.

One thousand and fifteen fine trees were chosen and carefully stowed.