XXI 
RETROSPECT 
537 
on the introduction of Christianity throughout the South Sea, 
probably 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 
civilisation, 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 satisfaction. To hoist the British flag seems to 
draw with it as a certain consequence, wealth, prosperity, and 
civilisation. 
In conclusion it appears to me that nothing can be more 
improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant 
countries. It both sharpens and partly allays that want and 
craving which, as Sir J. Herschel remarks, a man experiences 
although every corporeal sense be fully satisfied. The excite¬ 
ment from the novelty of objects, and the chance of success, 
stimulate him to increased activity. Moreover, as a number of 
isolated facts soon become uninteresting, the habit of com¬ 
parison leads to generalisation. On. the other hand, as the 
traveller stays but a short time in each place, his descriptions 
must generally consist of mere sketches, instead of detailed 
observations. Hence arises, as I have found to my cost, a 
constant tendency to fill up the wide gaps of knowledge by 
inaccurate and superficial hypotheses. 
But I have too deeply enjoyed the voyage not to recom¬ 
mend any naturalist, although he must not expect to be so 
fortunate in his companions as I have been, to take all 
chances, and to start, on travels by land if possible, if otherwise 
on a long voyage. He may feel assured he will meet with no 
difficulties or dangers, excepting in rare cases, nearly so bad as 
he beforehand anticipates. In a moral point of view the effect 
ought to be to teach him good-humoured patience, freedom 
from selfishness, the habit of acting for himself, and of making 
the best of every occurrence. In short, he ought to partake of 
the characteristic qualities of most sailors. Travelling ought 
