CHAPTER XVII. 



MIGRATIONS BY SEA. 



The state of the diffusion of knowledge, depends then in a good 

 measure, on the facilities of intercourse ; and in the foregoing in- 

 stances, of maritime intercourse; for I think it will he admitted, that 

 the islands and countries referred to, were chiefly if not exclusively 

 discovered and colonized by seafaring tribes. This, however, may 

 be more evident, to those who have some knowledge of maritime 

 affairs; some familiarity with the world of waters, and with that dis- 

 tinct class of human beings who thereon seek subsistence. Many dif- 

 ficulties, which previously existed in my own mind, have vanished 

 since making a sea-voyage. 



Coral shores, are vastly more productive in animal life, than the or- 

 dinary sea-coast; and thus, yield a more important contribution to 

 human sustenance. After witnessing at the Pacific islands, the mul- 

 titudes of persons who daily resort to the reefs, where they become 

 familiar with the surf : I have questioned, whether something like 

 this, did not first tempt man to venture upon the ocean. On coasts 

 of a different character, destitute of harbours and of outlying isles, 

 and especially where lashed by a heavy surf; the idea of quitting the 

 land, does not seem a very natural one. On the other hand, a coral 

 shore, an islet in sight, with the water of an agreeable temperature, 

 have appeared to me to constitute all the requisites for the birth of 

 navigation. 



In considering why the comparatively narrow Atlantic so long 

 proved impassable, the character of the coasts should be kept in 

 view; and those especially, of the African continent. Something 

 may be allowed for a difference in the natural disposition of the 

 races ; and also for the probability, that distant voyages were first 

 made by following the coasts. 



