C. The life of man in his prime. a. More prudent by experience, the traveler goes forward, and, in spite of obstacles, never loses sight of his destination. Man, too, meets difficulties: but, instead of being dismayed by them, he is rather stimulated to make new exertions, till he has attained his end; namely, a position of honor and respect in society, where he may do good, both for himself and for his fellow-men. D. The life of the old man. a. On account of the toils of his journey, the traveler has 10. UTILITY OF TRAVELING. I. In our day, people travel much more than formerly, some on business, some to gain information, and some to recruit their minds and bodies. II. The advantages of travel are manifold. a. He strengthens his mind and body by a change of air. 1. He comes into contact with men of different dispo- 2. The more he knows of men, the more his prejudices disappear. 3. He finds so many men with good qualities, that he becomes convinced that mankind is not so depraved as some would have him believe. 4. Frequent dangers and accidents, the usual accompaniments of travel, strengthen the character and fortify the mind. 5. He becomes more contented with his country, and more attached to its laws and institutions, especially if he is an American. 6. It affords him pleasant recollections, and furnishes his mind with useful thought. What we learn from observation makes a deeper impression on our minds than what we learn from the narrations of others. B. In regard to others. a. Traveling has been the means of making important discoveries (instances). b. The judicious traveler learns from foreign people many beautiful and useful things, with which he may acquaint his own countrymen; as organizations, laws, manner of living, useful inventions, customs worthy of imitation (instances). c. Promotion of general intercourse between the inhabitants of different countries, and advantages of the same. C. Particularly in regard to motives of travel. a. On business, political negotiations, &c. 1. By being present in person, business relating to 3. By traveling, threatening dangers may be warded - 11. DIFFERENT KINDS AND MODES OF TRAVEL. I. Travels are journeys from place to place. Most people are fond of traveling, particularly the young: in advanced age, this inclination seems to diminish. Why? II. Travels may be classified according to the purpose for which they are undertaken. A. Travels on business. a. Merchants travel to sell or buy, or to extend their commercial relations. b. Officers of the State, ambassadors, &c., travel in the service of their governments. c. Others travel on account of family relations; as sickness or death of friends, inheritance of property, &c. B. Travels for mere pleasure, or for the sake of recruiting health. a. To watering-places. b. To hilly countries. c. To warmer or more bracing climates, &c. C. Travels for information. a. Scholars travel to consult libraries, examine monuments, &c. b. Artists, to visit museums of paintings and sculpture, or other works of art. c. These and others also desire to study man in his various modes of life, and to see the manifold charms of Nature, both in their own and in foreign countries. d. Voyages are made on sea to obtain information concerning new places (Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Magellan, Cook, Parry, Kane), and on land for the same purpose (Mungo Park, Bruce, Humboldt). II. Different modes of travel. a. On water. 1. Inland navigation, on rivers, lakes, and canals. 2. Sea-voyages. b. On land. 1. Afoot. 2. On horseback, or on camels. 3. Riding in a carriage, stage, sleigh, reindeer-sledge, &c. 4. On the railroad-cars. c. In the air. 1. In balloons. 2. Flying-machines. IV. Examine the excellence and the defects of these various modes of travel, the fitness of each for the different purposes of travel, and the influence which they exercise upon the advancement of civilization. 12. TRAVEL ON FOOT. I. Traveling on foot has fallen into disrepute. At a time when steamboats and steam-carriages facilitate traveling in every way, almost everybody rides, and, as a general thing, looks with contempt on him who walks. And yet traveling on foot is, in many particulars, to be preferred to any other mode. II. To whom it may be recommended. a. To young persons. He who is vigorous should travel on foot, and confide in his strength, which is increased by exercise. . b. To those whose mode of life requires much sitting or confinement. They need quick movement on foot, to purify and invigorate the lungs, and prevent depression of spirits. c. To the naturalist. He who hastens over Nature does not enjoy it, or observe its most instructive details. III. General advantages of traveling on foot. a. It furnishes us with more exact information concerning localities, men, and countries; the observer finding himself restricted by no obstacles, such as continually impede those traveling by the ordinary means. b. It promotes independence, reveals our inherent strength, and teaches us the proper use of both. c. It invigorates the body, elevates the mind, fortifies health, and gives to life new charms. d. It is, besides, liable to fewer dangers than other modes of travel. IV. Conclusion. He who travels for the sake of pleasure, recreation, and information, will, if his health permit, do well to travel as much as possible on foot. 13. TRAVELING WITH PROFIT. I. Traveling may afford much pleasure and advantage: still, it happens very often that he who sets out as a fool returns as such. II. The question arises, What is required in order to travel with advantage? a. The obstacles to the pleasures, and sometimes even to the advantages, of travel, are, 1. A feeble constitution; for there are many hardships connected with traveling. (Name some of them.) 2. Want of money. |