LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 131 



ains would come under iheir cognizance. This plan of visiting 

 the interior opens a rich field to science ; one that has been but 

 scantily occupied and superficially exannined by expeditions ori- 

 ginating with the " maritime powers of Europe." Islands thus 

 explored would, if even two of them should be found clothed with 

 sandal wood (to say nothing of other articles of traffic which 

 have already entered largely into our connmerce with the Pacific), 

 repay to the nation the entire cost of the expedition. The physi- 

 cal force always at hand would perpetually facilitate research in 

 every branch. The same boats used in surveying the harbour of 

 an island would serve to debark the naturalists on its shores ; and 

 the same force which would be required by the commander in 

 his intercourse with the natives could likewise protect the civil- 

 ians in the performance of their several duties ; while the com- 

 pleteness with which the corps is organized would enable its 

 members to pursue their researches with rapidity, and make their 

 calculations without delaying the expedition for any length of 

 time ; so that the period required for scientific researches at the 

 largest islands would suit exactly that necessary for the move- 

 ments of the frigate while directing the hydrographical surveys. 

 But still more. One decided advantage in the scale upon which 

 this corps is formed, and which gives it a superiority over most 

 others hitherto sent out, is, that it is constituted of men more 

 capable of taking charge of separate departments. Instead of 

 being merely a body of collectors, acting under one or two heads, 

 here each savan has his favourite division ; while possessing, at 

 the same time, more or less knowledge of the branches consigned 

 to his companions. This will enable the men of science to adopt 

 a perfect system of reciprocity. The botanist, while plucking a 

 flower, would not overlook the insect feeding upon it ; because 

 the entomologist would repay the courtesy by gathering for him a 

 plant ; and each would be able to give to the other all requisite 

 information of their respective localities. This system would be 

 carried out, in like manner, with all the rest. All ground for jeal- 

 ousy would be removed by this division of labour; each member 

 must stand or fall in accordance with iiis industry and ability, or 

 his want of these qualities in his own department. An addiliona. 

 inducement for reciprocal services exists in the fact, that all wliich 

 any one can do to assist his companions will be more than repaid 



