islands than ourselves, to whom the want of the intermediate links, which connect their narrow views to our extended sphere of knowledge, must prove an obstacle in such an undertaking.”—­G.F.

This is a liberal observation in respect of Tupia, but it is liable to much objection as a general maxim.  Besides the greater number of impracticable prejudices which attach themselves to imperfectly cultivated minds when placed in new situations, and which often render well-meant exertions unavailing, it is certain, that superior knowledge both affords greater aptitude of accommodation to unusual circumstances by the speedy discovery it enables the person to make of the principles on which they depend, and, at the same time, facilitates the management and direction of them when known, by the accustomed exercise of the faculties which it implies.  Mr F. seems to have imposed on himself by the gratuitous use of figurative language.  Where there is a want of intermediate links, there is certainly no connection; but admitting that all mankind is made up of the same materials, it may be very safely inferred, that the most civilized and best educated European carries about with him the whole chain, betwixt the “narrow views” of the New Zealanders and his own “extended sphere of knowledge.”  The physical wants of our species are the same in all regions of the globe, and so are our passions.  These are grand levellers of the proud distinctions, by which some of us exalt ourselves so much above others; and they have never yet been set aside or eradicated by any process which human ingenuity has contrived.  Often, indeed, savages excel in the knowledge and dexterous attainment of the means necessary to supply and gratify them.  Our judicious Shakespeare seems to have been aware of this, when he causes the brutish Caliban to address Triaculo thus,—­

    “I’ll shew thee the best springs; I’ll pluck thee berries; I’ll fish
    for thee, and get thee wood enough,” &c.

Mr F. himself, as we shall soon see, has specified one link large and strong enough to answer for a chain in holding together British sailors at least, and New Zealanders, or, indeed, any other savages, however degenerate and abominable, to the end of the chapter!—­E.

[3] “Our crews, who had not conversed with women since our departure from the Cape, found these ladies very agreeable, and from the manner in which their advances were received, it appeared very plainly that chastity was not rigorously observed here, and that the sex were far from being impregnable.  However, their favours did not depend upon their own inclination, but the men, as absolute masters, were always to be consulted upon the occasion; if a spike-nail, or a shirt, or a similar present, had been given for their connivance, the lady was at liberty to make her lover happy, and to exact, if possible, the tribute of another present for herself.  Some among them, however,