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THROUGH SWEDEN. 23
from the history of all savages, are trees excavated either by iron,
or, previoully to the use of iron, by the operation of fire. As the
elements of navigation are fimple and obyious, and as this is an
art intimately connected with the pursuits of men in all stages of
society, both 1n war and peace, so we find that the extenfion and
improvement of nayigation has at all times been a tavourite object
with the greatest princes and the most flourishing and adventurous
republics. Thus we know that Charlemagne formed a design of
uniting by means of a canal the Rhine and Danube; and Peter
the first of Russia projected a junction between the Don and
Wolga, the execution of which was a favourite topic with Catha-
rine II. though she had not the good fortune to see it accomplished.
It is’ reserved only for such a successor as may equal that pnncess
in extent of conception and spirit of enterprise.
The greater part of states and princes a& mostly’ from transient
interests, which they generally pursue with cabal and intrigue,
varying their defigns and expedients according to times and cir-
cumstances, and therefore seldom producing a great effec&t. In
proportion as they are lofty in their ambition and comprehenfiye
in their views, they overlook - present difficulties and’ prefent ad-
vantages, in the prospe&t of permanent power and future glory.
Thus the Romans, undoubtedly the grcatcſt people with whom
we are at all acquainted, being extensive in their plans, were steady
in their condut, Like the laws of nature, they acted incessantly
in all seasons and all circumstances. The Roman works, aque- -
ducts, roads, walls, amphitheatres, and- other ftructures, were so
transcendantly
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