collections, of which this third volume is composed, every letter is accompanied by a reference to the source from whence it is drawn, the absence of which references we much regretted in the two first volumes of the Labanoff collection.

SIR EDWARD BELCHER'S VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD.*

IF books of travel in distant parts are still, notwithstanding their unlimited multiplication, more generally attractive than any other class of books, it follows that those few among them which describe a " Voyage Round the World," are the most attractive of all books. And if, in our present advanced state of geographical and scientific knowledge, such a voyage cannot be expected to furnish so large an amount of novelty and adventure as it did a century or two ago, such a deficiency in mere popular interest, is more than made up for by the admirable" appliances and means" of maritime research which modern discoveries have placed at the disposal of the voyager.

The government expedition intrusted to Sir Edward Belcher, seems to have been peculiarly rich in the advantages we have just alluded to; and the commander of it being evidently a man in all respects admirably fitted to the task imposed on him, the results, in the two highly interesting and important volumes before us, are fully answerable to the occasion which has given rise to them.

In noticing this work, it will be our purpose to make it as much as possible speak for itself; though in doing this we shall chiefly confine ourselves to the more popular and miscellaneous portion of it,-under the impression that that numerous class of readers to whom an acquaintance with its geographical and scientific details is a matter of absolute duty and necessity, will of course consult the work for themselves.

It appears that, in the latter end of February, 1837, Captain Belcher took the command at Panama, of an expedition consisting of H.M.S. Sulphur, of 380 tons, 109 men; and H.M. schooner Starling, of 109 tons, which vessels had been fitted for surveying purposes, and had been, in the first instance, intrusted to the command of Captain Beechy, whose shattered health from former services of a similar nature, induced him to resign his command on reaching Valparaiso. The luminous hydrographic instructions under which Captain Belcher was to act throughout the expedition, and which are given at the outset of the work, are from the pen of the accomplished Secretary of the Admiralty, Mr. John Barrow, and will be read with great interest, as an anticipatory glance at what is to come.

In saying that we purpose to make the book speak for itself it is not to be understood that we have any thought of furnishing an abstract of its contents, especially as " A Voyage Round the World" speaks in pretty comprehensive terms the general track passed over. What we

*Narrative of a Voyage Round the World, performed in H.M.S. Sulphur, during the Years 1836 and 1842, comprising details of the naval operations in China, from December 1840 to November 1841. By Captain Sir Edward Belcher, C.B., &c. 2 vols.

propose is, to glance through the pages of Captain Belcher's narrative, with a view to detach from it a few passages of universal interest to all classes of readers; the perusal of which will, nevertheless, in no degree impair the effect of the narrative for the many who will not be content to lose a single page of it as a whole. Before proceeding to do this, however, we must premise that the extraordinary chances and changes of the time have given to this narrative a double interest and importance, each entirely distinct from the other, and each having a specific and permanent value of its own.

The ostensible objects and attainments of the expedition have already been alluded to; but it appears that while "homeward bound," after an absence of nearly four years, employed in the scientific and maritime duties of his office, Captain Belcher, on arriving at Singapore, on the 16th of April, 1840, found government despatches awaiting him there, directing him, on their receipt, "immediately to retrace his steps, and join the commander-in-chief in China." Accordingly a large portion of the remainder of Captain Belcher's second volume comprises perhaps the most graphic and spirited account that has yet appeared of the doings in China, from the period of the attack on the forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow (on the 7th of January, 1841) to the virtual close of the war-doings in which the present relator took that conspicuous personal share which has earned for him, together with his previous services in the expedition, those honours which have, at the moment at which these volumes make their appearance, elevated their author to the style and title of Sir Edward Belcher, C.B.

In the narratives of voyages and expeditions of "Discovery," in which light the present must to a certain extent be regarded, there is assuredly nothing so attractive to the general reader as accounts of the "natives" that are met with in new or little known lands; and these volumes are unusually rich in this class of description. We shall furnish a few examples. After giving a detailed account of the Russian fur establishment at Sitka, in Norfolk Sound, the author proceeds as follows:

The chiefs having pestered the Governor to ask permission to visit the Sulphur, and glad on my part of an occasion to show that no unfriendly feeling kept them away, I immediately consented to a nomination of the best characters, amounting to thirty-seven, which, with the addition of the Russian officers and ourselves, would form a pretty large party.

They observed great ceremony in their approach, and were dressed in the most fantastic garb imaginable, being generally painted with scores of vermilion, in some instances not devoid of taste. Some had helmets of wood, carved in imitation of frogs, seals, fish, or birds' heads. Others wore the very sensible plain conical hat* without rim, which serves effectually to ward off sun or rain; and the generality wore, or carried with them, their native shawl, which is very laboriously worked into carpet figures, from the wool of some animal which I could not ascertain. One or two had cloaks of American sables, which were very handsome, but far inferior to those of Siberia.

Most of the helmet party wore ermine skins, tied loosely about them, which I found were purchased at the factory, and are imported from Siberia (viá Ochotsk) for traffic with the natives.

I had an opportunity here, as well as at Port Etches, of viewing some of the skins, particularly the sea-otter, which they purchase from the natives, and was

* Used by Mandarins in China.

not a little surprised to find how completely they have arrived at their standard value, which is a very high price. A moderately good sea-otter skin will fetch from six to seven blankets, increasing to thirteen for the best; no bargain being conclusive without sundry nicknacks, similar to the Chinese cumshaw. These generally may be estimated at one blanket, which should be worth twelve shillings here. In money they frequently ask forty dollars; on the coast of California, at San Francisco, and Monterey, as much as eighty to a hundred.

When offering objects for sale, they are very sulky if their tender is not reponded to; which in some measure accounts for the ill-humour experienced at Port Mulgrave, and which I am inclined to think would have terminated in hostility had I commenced purchases which could not have been followed up. Upon very mature consideration of what I have heard and seen respecting this subject, I think many of the unprovoked attacks we have heard of have originated in some transaction of this nature-refusal to trade being deemed almost a declaration of war. Facts, however, which have been acknowledged, prove that wanton malice has visited upon the next tribe the sins of their offending neighbours. This accounts for the two extremes we notice-extraordinary timidity when they are the weaker, and overbearing impertinence when they fancy themselves the more powerful party.

But to return to our party. The canoes were as fantastic as their occupants. They were carved in grotesque figures, and remarkably well handled. After encircling the ship, singing, and gesticulating, as if she was to become a good prize, they at length came on board, and were severally presented by the Governor,-not omitting their virtues or vice versa, when they possessed sufficient notoriety. I observed that those who had become (nominally) Christians were entitled to precedence, but no particular virtues were enumerated as their especial property.

A feast, as it is termed here, of rice and molasses, had been provided, on tables ranged on the main-deck.

At "Friendly Cove," Nootka Sound, the author encounters a native chief and his family, who may be said to possess something of an historical character, carrying us back, as they do, to the early discoverers in those seas, Cook and Vancouver-this particular spot being the scene of their most interesting operations.

The Indians very shortly began to assemble about us in their canoes, offering fish, one in particular refused any return, and, from his appearance, and quiet, dignified behaviour, as well as the respect shown him by those in his own canoe, and in those around him, I was satisfied that he was above the common herd. There were others, of probably opposition tribes, who assumed more, and were more gaudily dressed, but I determined on giving my quiet friend the preference. He was invited on board, and I had the satisfaction of finding him to be no other than Macquilla, the husband of the descendant of the Macquilla or Maquinna of Vancouver (who states that he left his daughter his successor, and he probably assumed the name with his wife).

He intimated that Wican-an-ish stood first in repute, himself (Mack-quill-a) second, and Nook-á-mis third.

He was accompanied by his wife, a son, and daughter, who were evidently of the same breed as himself; much fairer and smoother skinned than others of the race (or races) about us, and possessing rather prepossessing and agreeable features.

Vancouver's description of Maquinna's daughter would accord very well with the present, excepting that the young lady here introduced was yet but a child. Her features were, however, more of the Chinese or Tartar breed, than those of the brother. Her manner was very simple and winning; she had black expressive eyes; and her affection for her father, on whom she often clung, with her head reposed on his shoulder, was quite a novel sight amongst these people.

The son, as well as the daughter, appeared to receive all the respect due to high rank, even from the father, who invariably turned over his presents to them.

I treated them with rice, molasses, and very diluted rum and sugar, after the fashion at Sitka, which they appeared to enjoy ; but the damsel making very wry faces at the latter, wine was ordered; the father, however, anxious to taste every thing offered her, evidently preferred the milder beverage..

After their repast, presents were given to them, and notice given to retire. This I found not so easily effected, the father and son remaining; and I was compelled to quit them, to pursue my duties on shore. I found them on my return still on board, and, from what I could ascertain from their signs, anxious to barter their furs. I endeavoured to make them comprehend that our supplies were not calculated for trade, nor beyond presents; that I expected no return; and further, that I would land in the evening, and show them fireworks, &c.

At dusk I landed, taking with me a magic-lantern and supply of fireworks. At the former they all exhibited the most unfeigned delight, to a degree quite outrageous; but at the ascent of the rockets, their impressions amounted to fear. I had several women grasping me by each hand, huddled into one group, and evidently trembling; and, by the light from the fire, I could perceive the tears rolling down the cheeks of Macquilla's wife and daughter, who fled to the bush the instant the fireworks were over; nor could they be persuaded to return, even to witness' a second exhibition of the magic-lantern.

The excessive enjoyment of Macquilla was ridiculously displayed, by tearing the bushy hair of his particular friend, or court-fool, but not so violently as to remove it by the roots.

of a

As we desire to take our extracts in the order in which they occur in the work, we shall here introduce two or three detached passages more general character.

A Quiet Residence.-On the 18th of October, 1837, at four P. M. a heavy earthquake occurred, which lasted until the 22d. During this interval of four days the earth trembled continuously; one hundred separate shocks were counted between four P. M. 18th, and ten P. M. 22d. During this interval five very severe shocks occurred, four P. M. 18th, ten P. M. 19th, midnight 19th, four P. M. 20th, four P. M. 21st. That at midnight on the 21st was terrific; had it lasted a few seconds longer, rocks would undoubtedly have been rent asunder. Following this earthquake, for six weeks continuously, periodical heavy shocks were experienced, at ten A. M., ten and twelve P. M., and at dawn. At Mexico the shocks were severely felt at the same instants, on the 18th and 19th.

In conclusion, daily "temblors" have occurred since the earthquake of 1820. But the season when the heaviest shocks occur is between March and June.

Alligators. Alligators are very numerous; forty-seven of one swarm were counted before they glided down the mud into the river. None were under ten feet; they were mostly estimated at fifteen to eighteen, and some were monsters. The peculiar sound, of closing the jaws with a noise resembling cluck, is any thing but musical. We were assured that these were nothing to what we should have seen had we passed through the Estero de Lagartos, (or Alligator Creek,) that there we should have encountered them in myriads.

*

*

In one of my excursions, observing an alligator of twelve feet asleep on the beach, and suspecting him to be dead, I passed the lead line under his nose and jerked it round his throat, taking the precaution of giving the other end, similarly passed, to two of the boat's crew. Rather to my surprise, he snapped his jaws, and made for the water, but a turn of the line round a rock considerably increased the pressure round his throat, and he was securely taken to the boat. After towing him a considerable time, and believing him to be

drowned, we tried to get him into the boat, and had nearly succeeded, when he made a snap at the gunwale, and tore a portion of it away. We immediately decided that he was not fit society, and towed him astern.

After having been landed for some time, the boat's crew commenced the operation of skinning him, considering him quite dead. Indeed, his stomach had been some time exposed, and the skin laid open to the tail on both sides, -when by a sudden convulsion he snapped his jaws, and included both hands of one of the crew (who was sitting on his head to steady him), cutting through several fingers, but fortunately without injuring any bones. The instant the country people saw him they exclaimed, "Patos, patos," intimating that he was a well-known connoisseur and purloiner of fat ducks.

Royal Funeral in the Sandwich Islands.-The funeral of Kinau was appointed for the Wednesday following, and, accompanied by the consul and my officers, we proceeded to the house where the remains of the princess (now designated as Kahamanu II. by the missionaries) reposed in state. The coffin, which was six feet and a half long, by three wide, and the same in depth, covered with crimson cloth and gilt ornaments (similar to that of Rihoriho, made in England), was placed on a bedstead; the curtains of which were black silk, trimmed with white lace. The body of a carriage having been removed from the wheels, the bedstead was adapted to it, thus forming a very handsome car.

We were received with great attention by the king and chiefs, and his majesty, in further proof of his good will, sent the order of the procession the day previous to ascertain if I wished to make any alteration. The troops and militia, amounting to four hundred, were all well clothed in white uniforms. Their evolutions were admirable.

The king's body-guard, amounting to twenty officers in scarlet jackets, some few with epaulets, tinsel, crape, &c., marched, with their swords reversed, on each side of the car; the troops, with arms reversed, preceded. The king as chief mourner, with the deceased's husband, and the other chiefs, followed the car, the residents, consuls, and officers, bringing up the rear. The concourse of well-dressed females (from all the islands, I imagine) in black silk mourning, astonished me. I am quite satisfied they equalled the number of troops.

The moment the procession advanced, the natives not included in the procession, but who lined the roads (which had been previously strewed with rushes, over which mats were laid) commenced the wail,-a low noise which can only be compared to the shrill noise of the bull-frogs of America; and the buz of so many voices in such melancholy notes certainly did not diminish the solemnity of the scene. Many I noticed shed tears, and some I thought really wailed in earnest. Kinau, whatever her failings might have been, was much esteemed by her subjects.

The kahali, or feathered plume, and the badge of royalty, was carried on this occasion. It is constructed of the dark tail-feathers of the cock, very similar to the Chinese fly-dusters, or resembling the feathers worn by our regimental bands. It is, however, of great size, measuring as follows:length of pole and plume, eighteen feet six inches; length of plume, four feet and twenty-eight inches in diameter.

On the car reaching the church, a thatched house about two hundred feet in length by sixty wide, the canopy was lowered, the troops marched through, and the car was placed abreast of the pulpit. The consul and myself were assigned seats with his majesty.

The

The foregoing extracts are from Captain Belcher's first volume. second opens with some highly interesting details relative to the strange and anomalous condition of the native society at Tahti and other islands of the same groups, as modified by the proceedings of the missionaries who have contrived to acquire an absolute ascendancy over the chiefs, and mould them to their own purposes,-without (it is to be feared) much consideration for any thing else. Some passages connected with