LIFE IX CENTRAL ASIA. 261 



literature more peculiarly British, and almost none 

 more worthy of careful perusal, than that which re- 

 lates to explorative travel. The peculiar genius which 

 enables a man both to undertake and describe such 

 travel, involves many high qualities of mind and 

 character. Instinctive it may be, even as that of the 

 statesman, the warrior, or the poet ; but it is a rare 

 and noble instinct, wisely implanted by the hand of 

 God in a few of our race. It is an instinct which 

 was necessary to the progress of the world, which 

 opened the path to the founders of our Indian Empire, 

 and tracked over the wild Atlantic the way to the 

 wide-waving corn-fields and sugar-brakes of America. 

 Far be it from us to make any pretensions to such 

 peculiar distinction. Indeed, it is rather difficult now 

 to find an explorable new country, and the enter- 

 prising traveller will soon have to mourn, like Alex- 

 ander, over a conquered world. In the loneliest dell 

 of Cashmere, Alastor would meet, not the Spirit of 

 Solitude, but some sporting officer or sallow Punjab 

 civilian enjoying a few weeks' leave. The ascent of 

 the " heaven-ascending " peaks of the Gavahir them- 

 selves would be embittered by the recollection of a 

 book having been published with the impertinent 

 title, ' A Walk over the Himalayas,' as if the walk 

 was quite insignificant a mere Saturday afternoon's 

 exploit. From Baghdad to the Caspian, and from 

 the Caspian to Herat, the Hindu Kush, and farther 

 Bokhara, we may tread in the footsteps of our country- 



