HOMEWARD BOUND. 6"] 



ligence of the colonists was higher than that of our own 

 people. 



Australasia is not appreciated by us as it should be. 

 An empire is growing at the antipodes which, if im- 

 perial federation is not brought about within a few 

 years, will become independent and will exert a tre- 

 mendous influence, not only among the islands of the 

 Pacific, but throughout the world. As large in territory 

 as the United States, it already has about 4,000,000 

 whites, or more than the population of the original thir- 

 teen colonies when they became an independent nation. 

 They are a whole-souled, gallant race, and we left their 

 country with a genuine love for the people and a firm 

 belief in their future greatness. 



The idea of a federation or alliance of all English- 

 speaking peoples was discussed with enthusiasm, and 

 their orators in eloquent language depicted the benefi- 

 cial results which might follow the realization of their 

 dream. 



On the 16th of October the Enterprise sailed for 

 New Zealand. The weather became thick as we ap- 

 proached land, and nothing could be seen until we were 

 well within Cook's Straits. A moderate gale increased 

 the difficulties of navigation, but at last we sighted the 

 entrance to Queen Charlotte's Sound, where we an- 

 chored on the 25th. 



On the 26th the Enterprise reached Wellington, 

 New Zealand, from which point the line of soundings to 

 Cape Horn was to begin. 



