Botanical Fact. 7 151 
It will be seen that, instead of the tides in the Pacific 
forming an exception to the Newtonian theories, they are 
quite in accordance with the principles laid down in the 
* Principia,’ and by Sir John Herschel in his “ Treatise on 
Astronomy,” sect. 530, where the relative disturbing forces 
of the sun and moon are about two and five feet. This comes 
pretty near to what is observed at Tahiti, in relation to other 
parts in the Pacific,—the tide at the Society Islands ranging 
from fifteen to eighteen inches, and at other groups from 
four feet six inches to five feet. 
Before anything like correct information can be had on 
this interesting subject, a series of observations must be 
made at various points, by men who have time to devote to, 
and instruments proper for carrying on, the investigation. 
Now, as this ocean is likely to become, ere long, the highway 
between the vast continent of America and the British Co- 
lonies, every item of information connected with navigation 
should be sought after. I write not with the expectation 
that I can throw much light on the subject of the tides, but 
with the hope that others may be led to investigate it with 
the attention it deserves. 
A Botanical Fact: an apt Illustration. Communicated by 
the Rev. Mr GILL. 
A missionary on one of the Samoa islands, during a time 
of war, went to visit a part of the enemies’ tribe in one of 
their strongholds. The tribe, with their chief, listened very 
attentively to the address given by the missionary. At its 
close the chief arose to reply. Profound silence prevailed ; 
and with great politeness the old warrior addressed the mis- 
sionary in the following terms :— 
« We take it very kindly that you have been at so much 
trouble to come so far and so difficult a road to exhort us to- 
day. Many thanks to you for your kindness. We have 
listened with attention to your address; and all that you 
have said is true, especially that which you have said re-_ 
Specting our wickedness. We are indeed very bad,—we feel 
it to be so; and you have not said half that might be said 
respecting it.” 3 
