RETROSPECT 537 



on the introduction of Christianity throughout the South Sea, 

 probably 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 

 civilisation, 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 satisfaction. To hoist the British flag seems to 

 draw with it as a certain consequence, wealth, prosperity, and 

 civilisation. 



In conclusion it appears to me that nothing can be more 

 improving to a }'oung naturalist than a journey in distant 

 countries. It both sharpens and partly allays that want and 

 craving which, as Sir J. Herschel remarks, a man experiences 

 although every corporeal sense be fully satisfied. The excite- 

 ment from the novelty of objects, and the chance of success, 

 stimulate him to increased activity. Moreover, as a number of 

 isolated facts soon become uninteresting, the habit of com- 

 parison leads to generalisation. On the other hand, as the 

 traveller stays but a short time in each place, his descriptions 

 must generally consist of mere sketches, instead of detailed 

 observations. Hence arises, as I have found to my cost, a 

 constant tendency to fill up the wide gaps ot knowledge by 

 inaccurate and superficial hypotheses. 



But I have too deeply enjoyed the voyage not to recom- 

 mend any naturalist, although he must not expect to be so 

 fortunate in his companions as I have been, to take all 

 chances, and to start, on travels by land if possible, if otherwise 

 on a long voyage. He may feel assured he will meet with no 

 difficulties or dangers, excepting in rare cases, nearl}' so, bad as 

 he beforehand anticipates. In a moral point of view the effect 

 ought to be to teach him good-humoured patience, freedom 

 from selfishness, the habit of acting for himself, and of making 

 the best of every occurrence. In short, he ought to partake of 

 the characteristic qualities of most saildrs. Travelling ought 



