l*t.| RETROSPECT. 485 



as Sir J. Herschel remarks, a man experiences although every 

 corporeal sense be fully satisfied. The excitement from the novelty 

 of objects, and the chance of success, stimulate him to increased 

 activity. Moreover, as a number of isolated facts soon become un- 

 interesting, the habit of comparison leads to generalization. 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 of knowledge, by in- 

 accurate and superficial hypotheses. 



But I have too deeply enjoyed the voyage, not to recommend 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, nearly 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 sailors. 

 Travelling ought also to teach him distrust ; but at the same time 

 he will discover, how many truly kind-hearted people there are, 

 with whom he never before had, or ever again will have any further 

 communication, who yet arc ready to offer him the most disinterested 

 assistance. 



