602 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
aristocracy to a nation; and a third may project the discovery 
of the NorthWest Passage; but the mere project, without the 
talent to carry it into execution, is a bubble and a bauble; and 
so far from the projectors gaining the esteem and respect of 
their cotemporaries, they frequently expose themselves to con¬ 
tempt and ridicule. Dr. Darwin projected the refrigeration of 
the tropics, by towing, perhaps, the very icebergs, that stood in 
the way of Capt. Ross’ progress, to the vicinity of the equator. 
Lord Monboddo * projected an improvement in the declining 
stature of his countrymen, by the importation of a few hundred 
Patagonians ; and we know a certain baronet, who projected a 
life boat, in which half of the crew were drowned, the very 
first time it put to sea. It is not, therefore, the mere project 
itself, which is deserving of the slightest consideration ; and by 
the same parity of reasoning, we consider, that the individual, 
who projects an expedition for the discovery of the North West 
Passage, and attempts to carry it into execution, is only de¬ 
serving of our respect and approbation, in proportion to the 
talent and ability, which he displays towards the accomplish¬ 
ment of his design. If, however, it should appear, that he has 
completely over-rated his abilities—that he was totally incompe¬ 
tent from physical infirmity, to the performance of those duties, 
which his situation particularly imposed upon him—that he was 
obliged to be dependent upon the skill and exertions of an¬ 
other for any discoveries, that might be made—that a want 
of corporeal energy, and an imbecility of judgment manifested 
themselves on several occasions, when those properties were the 
most wanted—then are we entitled to withhold the meed of 
our approbation, and to give to each transaction that depth of 
colour, which its culpability or its imprudence might deserve. 
If, however, the expedition of Capt. Ross had been confined to 
its original character, as a mere matter of private speculation) 
* This eccentric, but most learned man, had a great aversion for every one who was of a dimi¬ 
nutive stature, entertaining the opinion that every little man was a specimen of the degenerated 
state of the human race. Being once on a visit in Perthshire, where his lordship was also a 
guest, a lady and her two sons, the taller far advanced to manhood, but very low in stature, 
were introduced to him ; and during their temporary absence, the mother, in the fulness of 
m ternal affection, said, “Well, my lord, and what think you of my two sons?” “Excellent 
subjects, madam,” was his lordship’s reply, “ to breed postilions.” 
