sions, to the lid of the common kettle, used for boiling the provisions on board a ship. The fresh vapour, which arises from boiling sea-water in the kettle, passes through this tube into a hogshead, which serves as a reservoir.

CHARLES. This is ingenious, and may alleviate the evil in a degree; but I cannot suppose it can be so agreeable as clear, fresh water from a spring; and it must be scarcely possible to procure a sufficient quantity for the comfortable accommodation of so many persons.

MRS. HARCOURT. Fresh water is often far more precious than the richest wines, on board a ship. The poor men have frequently been obliged to be limited to a certain quantity of it a day. True riches consist in a sufficiency of those things that are necessary to our life and health. Of what use would gold be to a man in a desert? A cup of cold water, or a sack of corn, would be, in comparison, an inestimable treasure.

CECILIA. Surely it must be difficult to preserve the health of persons confined long on board, especially in warm climates.

MR. HARCOURT. A considerate, humane commander, pays great attention to the health and morals of his ship's company. Cleanliness, and the free admission of fresh air between decks, are points of the utmost importance, as well as a sufficient supply of such vegetable food as can be procured; as peas, oatmeal, &c. After every precaution that can be taken, there are inconveniences peculiar to this manner of life.

HENRY. The desire of seeing foreign countries, with the different manners and customs of the inhabitants, would influence me to face every danger, and overcome every difficulty.

MRS. HARCOURT. Henry is quite a hero. Many have felt an invincible inclination for going to sea, which cannot be accounted for on any other principles, than that men are formed with various propensities, adapting them to a variety of pursuits. Were it otherwise, all men would choose the easiest profession, and no one would be found to undertake any employment that threatened either difficulty or danger.

MRS. HARCOURT. The clock strikes, and warns us that it is time to retire. Henry has

been so attentive, that I expect he will dream of undertaking a voyage.

HENRY. I wish I may: by that means I should enjoy the pleasure, without partaking of the danger.

MRS. HARCOURT. Good night, my little sleepy sailor. Adieu, dear children.

CONVERSATION XVII.

TEA AND CHOCOLATE.

AUGUSTA. In relating the progress of navigation, crusades were mentioned. I should be glad to be informed what they were, as I am entirely ignorant of the meaning of the word.

MRS. HARCOURT. Towards the end of the eleventh century, the zeal of a fanatical monk, called Peter the Hermit, who conceived the

idea of leading all the forces of Christendom against the infidels, and of driving them out of the possession of the Holy Land, was sufficient to give a beginning to this wild undertaking. He ran from province to province, with a crucifix in his hand, exciting princes and people to this holy war! Wherever he came, they caught the infection of his enthusiasm. Not only nobles and warriors, but men in the more humble stations of life: shepherds left their flocks, and mechanics their occupations; nay, even women and children engaged with ardour in this enterprise, which was esteemed sacred and meritorious. Contemporary authors assert, that six millions of persons assumed the cross, which was the badge that distinguished such as devoted themselves to this holy warfare. But from these expeditions, extravagant as they were, beneficial consequences arose, which had neither been foreseen nor intended. It was not possible for the crusaders to travel through so many countries, without receiving information and improvement, which they communicated to their respective countries at their

return. The necessary provision and accommodation for such vast numbers of people, excited a spirit of commerce, and in its consequences advanced the progress of navigation. A spirit of improvement is raised by the communication of different nations. Those people who are destitute of commerce, remain a long time stationary.

SOPHIA. How often do we see good rise out of apparent evil! Who could have supposed that the mistaken enthusiasm of an obscure monk could have been productive of such public benefit.

MR. HARCOURT. It is useful to trace things to their causes. Many events that have made great noise in the world, have arisen from causes apparently trifling and inadequate to the effect produced. The means of introducing the Reformation into this country, with all its happy consequences, was the unlawful love of Henry VIII. for Anne Boleyn. He sought only his own gratification; but the hand of Providence converted his corrupt inclinations into an instrument of good to his people. Discoveries in the arts have fre