savages frequently sail in their canoes. Besides this, the streight is sometimes frozen over.

Reflections.

VIII. We shall find it pleasant and profitable, occasionally to pause in our history, and consider what instruction may be drawn from the portion of it that has been perused.

In the story of Columbus, we are introduced to a man of genius, energy, and enterprise. We see him forming a new, and in that age, a mighty project; and having matured his plan, we see him set himself vigorously about its execution. For a time, he is either treated as a visionary, or baffled by opposition. But, neither discouraged, nor dejected, he steadily pursues his purpose, surmounts every obstacie, and at length spreads his sails upon the unknown waters of the Atlantic. A kind Pro. vidence auspiciously guides his way, and crowns his enterprise with the unexpected discovery of a new world.

While we admire the lofty qualities of Columbus, and look with wonder at the consequences which have resulted from his discovery, let us emulate his decision, energy and perseverance. Many are the occasions in the present world, on which it will be important to summon these to our aid; and by their means, many useful objects may be accomplished, which, without them, would be unattained.

But, while we thus press forward in the career of usefulness -while we aim to accomplish for our fellow men all the amount of good in onr power, let us moderate our expectations of reward here, by the consideration that Columbus died the victim of ingratitude and disappointment.

Another consideration, of still deeper interest, is suggested by the story of Columbus. In his first voyage, he contemplated chiefly the discovery of a passage to India. We who live to mark the wonderful events which have flowed from his discovery, within the short space of three centuries, cannot but advert with awe to HIм, who attaches to the actions of a single individual, a train of consequences so stupendous and unexpected. How lightly soever, then, we may think of our conduct, let us remember that the invisible hand of Providence may be connect. ing with our smallest actions the most momentous results, to ourselves and others.

With respect to Americus Vespucius, it may be observed, that although he deprived Columbus, of the merited honour of giving his name to the new world, and gained this distinction for himself-still, his name will ever remain stigmatized as having appropriated that to himself, which fairly belonged to another.

UNITED STATES.

Period XX.

DISTINGUISHED FOR SETTLEMENTS.

Extending from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, 1607, to the accession of William and Mary to the throne of England, 1689.

Section I. Prior to the year 1607, a period of one hundred and fifteen years from the discovery of San Salvador, by Columbus, attempts had been made to effect settlements in various parts of North America; but no one proved successful, until the settlement at Jamestown.

In 1606, King James I. of England, granted letters patent, an exclusive right, or privilege,to two companies, called the London and Plymouth Companies: by which they were author ized to possess the lands, in America, lying between the 34th and 45th degrees of north latitude; the southern part, called South Virginia, to the London, and the northern, called North Virginia, to the Plymouth Company.

Under this patent, the London Company sent Capt. Christopher Newport to Virginia, Dec. 20th, 1606, with a colony of one hundred and five persons, to commence a settlement on the island Roanoke, now in North Carolina.-After a tedious voyage of four months, by the circuitous route of the West Indies, he entered Chesapeake Bay, having been driven north of the place of his destination.

Here it was concluded to land; and, proceeding up a river, called by the Indians, Powhatan, but, by the colony, James River, on a beautiful peninsula, in May, 1607, they began the first permanent settlement in North America, and called it Jamestown.

The government of this colony was formed in England, by the London Company. It consisted of a council of seven persons, appointed by the Company, with a president chosen by the council, from their number, who had two votes. All matters of moment were examined by this council, and determined by a majority. Capt. Newport brought over the names of this council, carefully sealed in a box, which was opened after their arrival.

Among the most enterprising and useful members of this colony and one of its magistrates, was Capt. John Smith. As he acted a distinguished part in the early history of the colony of Virginia, a brief sketch of his life will be interesting.

He was born in Willoughby, in Lincolnshire, England, in 1579. From his earliest youth, he discovered a roving and romantic genius, and appeared irresistibly bent on extravagant and daring enterprises. At the age of thirteen, becoming tired of study, he disposed of his satchel and books, with the intention of escaping to sea. But the death of his father, just at that time, frustrated his plans for the present, and threw him upon guardians, who, to repress the waywardness of his genius, confined him to a counting room. From a confinement so irksome, however, he contrived to escape not long after, and, with ten shillings in bis pocket, entered the train of a young nobleman, travelling to France.

On their arrival at Orleans, he received a discharge from further attendance upon lord Bertie, who advanced him money to return to England.

Smith had no wish, however, to return. With the money ne had received, he visited Paris, from which he proceeded to the low countries, where he enlisted into the service as a soldier. Having continued some time in this capacity, he was induced to accompany a gentleman to Scotland, who promised to recommend him to the notice of king James. Being disappointed