532 CHARLES DARWIN 



voyage, which are of a more reasonable nature. The map 

 of the world 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 considered 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 thor- 

 oughly 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 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 

 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, pros- 

 perity, and civilization. 



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

 improving to a young 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 experi- 

 ences 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 uninteresting, 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, in- 



