as the mind of the navigator was probably far away on
board his vessels, the grave and preoccupied expression which the
portrait exhibits is fully accounted for.

His ability as a seaman, and his calmness in danger, inspired the most
perfect confidence in all who served under him, so that in times of the
greatest trial he could always reckon on being implicitly obeyed; it is
said that, placing reliance on his officers, after he had given his
directions, he would retire to rest, and sleep as soundly as though no
danger were near. Such is the character drawn of the great navigator by
those who knew him; but we shall form a more just estimate of him if we
consider the work he accomplished. We have only to compare a chart of
the Pacific before Cook's time, and to note the wide blanks and the
erroneous position of lands, with one drawn from his surveys, to see at
a glance the extent of his discoveries; but a still higher estimation
will be formed of them if we judge of them by their value to the present
generation. Let us consider the importance of his admirable survey of
the whole eastern coast of New Holland, showing its vast size and
insular character. Not less important was his survey of the islands of
New Zealand, which, with New Holland, or Australia, are now among the
most valuable possessions of the British crown. He discovered New
Caledonia, and surveyed most of the islands of the New Hebrides, and
other islands in the Austral Ocean. He made known to the world the
larger portion of the Friendly Islands, or Tonga group, as also of the
Marquesas. Nothing can surpass the general accuracy of his description
of the habits and customs of the inhabitants of Otaheite. He completed
the discovery and survey of the Society Islands. He was successful in
his search for Easter, or Davis Island, which had in vain been
looked-for by several previous navigators. He visited the groups of the
Low, or Coral Archipelago, and discovered the numerous separate islands
of Norfolk, Botany, Palmerston, Hervey, Savage, Mangaia, Wateeoo,
Otakootaia, Turtle, Toobouai, and Christmas. His most important
discovery was his last--that of the Sandwich Islands--since become an
independent and semi-civilised kingdom. He sailed along the North
American coast, where, from unavoidable circumstances, his surveys were
less accurate than usual. They were, however, completed, many years
after, by his follower Captain Vancouver. He ascertained the