the Centurion in such a manner that two-thirds of the hogs and all the fowls died before the ship was out of sight of land; and many Chinese

boats followed in the Centurion's wake to pick up the carcasses as they were flung overboard by the disgusted crew. At the last they were

manner.

anxious to impress the barbarian strangers with an idea of their forts, by drawing out the garrisons on the ramparts; and one man of unusual stature was seen marching to and fro in an especially conspicuous This paladin was clothed in complete armour; but from certain appearances the crew shrewdly suspected that the redoubtable warrior's panoply was formed, not of vulgar iron, but of a peculiar kind of glittering paper.

As the crew of the Centurion was far too weak in numbers to take both their own ship and the galleon to Europe, the latter was sold to the merchants of Macao at a price far below her value. It was, moreover, of the highest importance that the Centurion should return to England as quickly as possible; for her rich freight would have rendered her a most valuable prize, if any project could be formed to intercept her on her homeward voyage. At last, on the 15th of December, 1743, the Centurion finally set sail from China, to return to England round the Cape of Good Hope. A short stay at the Cape, then in the possession of the Dutch, retarded the passage to England; and it was not till the 10th of June, 1744, when they were not far from the Lizard, that a British ship from Amsterdam brought our voyagers intelligence of the war that was being carried on between England and France. This was startling news. The French could scarcely fail to have a fleet cruising in the Channel, and the weather-beaten Centurion, with her weary storm-tossed crew, was not in the best fighting condition.

But for the third time the commodore's good fortune clung to him. A thick fog came on; and, hidden by its friendly veil, the Centurion passed through the midst of a large French fleet, who thus lost the chance of a prize of rare value. Not till he anchored at Spithead on the 15th did Anson know how great had been his peril. He had been absent from England three years and nine months. The narrative of his voyage round the world stands brilliantly forth amid the tales of naval adventure as a proof of what the courage, fortitude, and endurance of British sailors can effect, when guided by a commander who unites cool judgment to quick resource and unflinching resolution.

Importance of Cook's Voyages-Early Life of James Cook-His Practical Seamanship-Voyages at the Beginning of the Reign of George III.-The expected Transit of Venus over the Sun-Expedition Fitted Out under Cook's Command-Madeira-The Portuguese at Rio-Passage round Cape Horn-Patagonia-Arrival at Otaheite-Character of the Natives-Judicious and Humane Conduct of Cook.

THE voyages of Captain Cook in many respects form a contrast to the celebrated expedition of Commodore Anson, from which they differ alike in the object for which they were undertaken, the means by