The portrait of Bass which we possess conveys an impression of alert and vigorous intelligence, of genial temper and hearty relish.

It is the picture of a man who was abundantly alive in every nerve.
Flinders and Bass, being both Lincolnshire men, born within a few miles of each other, naturally became very friendly on the long voyage to Australia.

It was said of two other friends, who achieved great distinction in the sphere of art, that when they first met in early manhood they "ran together like two drops of mercury," so completely coincident were their inclinations.

So it was in this instance.

Two men more predisposed to formulate plans for exploration could not have been thrown together.