222 NATURAL BEAUTY 



to measure themselves against it. They thrill to 

 the expectation of having their full capacities and 

 faculties drawn out. By some curious natural in- 

 stinct they seem driven to put themselves into posi- 

 tions where they are forced to exert themselves to 

 the full stretch of their capabilities. This same 

 instinct tells them that they will be never so happy 

 as when they are making the very utmost of them- 

 selves and exercising their whole being at its highest 

 pitch. Anticipation of their joy in adventure is 

 therefore no small part of the lure which draws men 

 into the unknown. And with it also is ambition to 

 make a name and achieve fame. Some, too, are 

 drawn on by the hope of wealth through finding 

 gold, diamonds, and so on. But from what I have 

 seen of gold and diamond prospectors on the spot in 

 the act of prospecting, I should say it was quite as 

 much love of adventure as covetousness of wealth 

 that drew them into unknown parts. For experi- 

 ence shows them only too often that it is not the 

 prospector but the company promoter and financier 

 who make the money even when the prospector 

 finds the gold or diamonds. Yet prospectors go 

 forward as cheerfully as ever. They are fascinated 

 by the life of adventure. 



All this is true. Men delight in sheer adventure 

 and in testing and sharpening themselves against 

 formidable natural obstacles. Yet we shall find 

 that love of Natural Beauty has an even greater 

 share than love of adventure in enticing them to the 

 unknown. Men picture to themselves beauties of 

 the most wonderful kind which they expect to see 

 enchanting islands, mysterious forests, majestic 



