1836.] RETROSPECT. 505 
It has been said, that the love of the chase is an inherent de- 
light in man—a relic, of an instinctive passion. Ifso, I amsure 
the pleasure of living in the open air, with the sky for a roof 
and the ground for a table, is part of the same feeling; it is the 
savage returning to his wild and native habits. I always look 
back to our boat cruises, and my land journeys, when through 
unfrequented countries, with an extreme delight, which no 
scenes of civilization could have created. I do not doubt that 
every traveller must remember the glowing sense of happiness 
which he experienced, when he first breathed in a foreign clime, 
where the civilized man had seldom or never trod. 
There are several other sources of enjoyment in a long 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 thoroughly convinced what vast spaces on our im- 
mense world these names imply. 
From seeing the present state, it Is impossible not to look for- 
ward 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, pro- 
bably 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 satisfac- 
tion. To hoist the British flag, seems to draw with it as a cer- 
tain consequence, wealth, prosperity, and civilization. 
In conclusion it appears to me that nothing can be more 
