It must, however, be remembered, that a large share of praise is due to the Board of Longitude, for the proficiency of the gentlemen of the navy in taking observations at sea.

In consequence of the attention of that board to this important object, liberal rewards have been given to mathematicians for perfecting the lunar tables, and facilitating calculations; and artists have been amply encouraged in the construction of instruments and watches, much more accurately and completely adapted to the purposes of navigation than formerly existed.
It is needless to mention what a quantity of additional information has been gained with respect to the rise and times of the flowing of the tides; the direction and force of currents at sea; and the cause and nature of the polarity of the needle, and the theory of its variations.

Natural knowledge has been increased by experiments on the effects of gravity in different and very distant places; and from Captain Cook's having penetrated so far into the Southern Ocean, it is now ascertained, that the phenomenon, usually called the _Aurora Borealis_, is not peculiar to high northern latitudes, but belongs equally to all cold climates, whether they be north or south.
Amidst the different branches of science that have been promoted by the late expeditions, there is none, perhaps, that stands so highly indebted to them as the science of botany.

At least twelve hundred new plants have been added to the known system; and large accessions of intelligence have accrued with regard to every other part of natural history.

This point has already been evinced by the writings of Dr.
Sparrman, of the two Forsters, father and son, and of Mr.Pennant; and this point will illustriously be manifested, when the great work of Sir Joseph Banks shall be accomplished, and given to the world.
It is not to the enlargement of natural knowledge only, that the effects arising from Captain Cook's voyages are to be confined.
Another important object of study has been opened by them; and that is, the study of human nature, in situations various, interesting, and uncommon.