1836.] 



RETROSPECT. 



It has been said, that the love of the chase is an inherent de- 

 light in man a relic of an instinctive passion. If so, I am sure 

 the pleasure of living in the open air, with the sky for a roof 

 and the ground for a to.ble, is part of the same feeling ; it is the 

 savage returning to his wild and native habits. I always look 

 back to our boat cruises, and my land journeys, when through 

 unfrequented countries, with an extreme delight, which no 

 scenes of civilization could have created. I do not doubt that 

 every traveller must remember the glowing sense of happiness 

 which he experienced, when he first breathed in a foreign clime, 

 where the civilized man had seldom or never trod. 



There are several other sources of enjoyment in a long voyage, 

 which are of a more reasonable nature. The map of the world 

 ceases to be a blank ; it becomes a picture full of the most varied 

 and animated figures. Each part assumes its proper dimensions : 

 continents are not looked at in the light of islands, or islands 

 considered as mere specks, which are, in truth, larger than many 

 kingdoms of Europe. Africa, or North and South America, 

 are well-sounding names, and easily pronounced ; but it is not 

 until having sailed for weeks along small portions of their shores, 

 that one is thoroughly convinced what vast spaces on our im- 

 mense world these names imply. 



From seeing the present state, it is impossible not to look for- 

 ward with high expectations to the future progress of nearly an 

 entire hemisphere. The march of improvement, consequent on 

 the introduction of Christianity throughout the South Sea, pro- 

 bably stands by itself in the records of history. It is the more 

 striking when we remember that only sixty years since, Cook, 

 whose excellent judgment none will dispute, could foresee no 

 prospect of a change. Yet these changes have now been effected 

 by the philanthropic spirit of the British nation. 



In the same quarter of the globe Australia is rising, or indeed 

 may be said to have risen, into a grand centre of civilization, 

 which, at some not very remote period, will rule as empress over 

 the southern hemisphere. It is impossible for an Englishman to 

 behold these distant colonies, without a high pride and satisfac- 

 tion. To hoist the British flag, seems to draw with it as a cer- 

 tain consequence, wealth, prosperity, and civilization. 



In conclusion it appears to me that nothing can be more 



