So naturally doth this reflection present itself, that to know something of the terraqueous globe, is a favourite object with every one who can taste the lowest rudiments of learning.  Let us not, therefore, think so meanly of the times in which we live, as to suppose it possible that full justice will not be done to the noble plan of discovery, so steadily and so successfully carried on, since the accession of his majesty; which cannot fail to be considered, in every succeeding age, as a splendid period in the history of our country, and to add to our national glory, by distinguishing Great Britain as taking the lead in the most arduous undertakings for the common benefit of the human race.  Before these voyages took place, nearly half the surface of the globe we inhabit was hid in obscurity and confusion.  What is still wanting to complete our geography may justly be termed the minutiae of that science.

4.  Let us now carry our thoughts somewhat farther.  It is fortunate for the interests of knowledge, that acquisitions, in any one branch, generally, and indeed unavoidably, lead to acquisitions in other branches, perhaps of still greater consequence; and that we cannot even gratify mere curiosity without being rewarded with valuable instruction.  This observation applies to the subject before us.  Voyages, in which new oceans have been traversed, and in which new countries have been visited, can scarcely ever be performed without bringing forward to our view fresh objects of science.  Even when we are to take our report of what was discovered from the mere sailor, whose knowledge scarcely goes beyond the narrow limits of his own profession, and whose enquiries are not directed by philosophical discernment, it will be unfortunate indeed if something hath not been remarked, by which the scholar may profit, and useful accessions be made to our old stock of information.  And if this be the case in general, how much more must be gained by the particular voyages now under consideration?  Besides naval officers equally skilled to examine the coasts they might approach, as to delineate them accurately upon their charts, artists[51] were engaged, who, by their drawings, might illustrate what could only be imperfectly described; mathematicians,[52] who might treasure up an extensive series of scientific observations; and persons versed in the various departments of the history of nature, who might collect, or record, all that they should find new and valuable, throughout the wide extent of their researches.  But while most of these associates of our naval discoverers were liberally rewarded by the public, there was one gentleman, who, thinking it the noblest reward he could receive, to have an opportunity of making the ample fortune he inherited from his ancestors subservient to the improvement of science, stepped forward of his own accord, and, submitting to the hardships and dangers of a circumnavigation of the globe, accompanied Captain Cook in the Endeavour.  The learned world, I may also say the unlearned, will never forget the obligations which it owes to Sir Joseph Banks.