40 Geography. [Chap. V. 



Vancouver, concerning tlie north-western coast of 

 America. By the last of these navigators, par- 

 ticularly, we have been made acquainted with the 

 existence of islands, on that side of our continent, 

 not less numerous or extensive than those on the 

 eastern side; and with many new facts, which 

 throw light on the geography, productions, and ad- 

 vantages of that part of the globe. 



The Spanish nation was once among the most 

 adventurous and enterprising in Europe. The 

 discoveries made in former times under its au- 

 spices, and the talents and achievements of its 

 naval commanders, raised it high in the scale of 

 national greatness. This spirit has been in a great 

 measure dormant, for near a century and a half. 

 Excepting the voyage of don Ulloa, ho expedition 

 of any magnitude, for promoting knowledge, had 

 been instituted by the Spanish government for a 

 long time previous to that which is about to be 

 mentioned. The published accounts of Cook*s 

 voyages soon excited the curiosity and the jealousy 

 of that nation. The government fitted out several 

 vessels, at different times, for the purpose, and with 

 the hope of rivalling, if not surpassing, the exploits 

 of the far-famed English discoverer. Of these at- 

 tempts, the latest and most conspicuous was that 

 made in 1 7^9, under the direction of don Malespina 

 and don Bastamente. These commanders deserve 

 an honourable place among the geographical dis- 

 coverers of the century. They made many va- 

 Juablc maps and charts of coasts, particularly on 

 the American continent ; which, though visited be- 

 fore, had not been satisfactorily explored or de- 

 lineated. They discovered a new cluster of islands 



