484 RETROSPECT. [CHAP. xxi. 



in uiau a relic of an iiistinctivc 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 table, 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 arc of a more reasonable nature. The map of the work I 

 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 con- 

 sidered 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 immense world 

 these names imply. 



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

 with high expectations to the future progress of nearly an entire 

 hemisphere. The march of improvement, consequent on the in- 

 troduction 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 excel- 

 lent judgment none will dispute, could foresee no prospect of a 

 change. Yet these changes have now been effected by the philan- 

 thropic 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 satisfaction. To 

 hoist the British flag, seems to draw with it as a certain consequence, 

 wealth, prosperity, and civilization. 



In conclusion, it appears to me that nothing can be more im- 

 proving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries. 

 It both sharpens, and partly allays that want and craving, which, 



