Though distinguished at present beyond all other nations for the extent of her naval power, a variety of causes conspired to make Britain arrive at naval eminence somewhat later than the inferior kingdoms of Spain and Portugal. Our Edwards and Henrys, instead of attending to the proper means of increasing the strength and opulence of their dominions, wasted their forces in fruitless expeditions against France, or in domestic broils, and it was not until Columbus had discovered a new world, and Vasco di Gama had reached the East Indies by a new route, that a spirit of naval enterprise was excited among the northern nations of Europe. The two great events here alluded to, in their consequences produced the most remarkable effects. A spirit of enterprise, when once roused and put in motion, is always progressive. The wealth which flowed in a copious stream into Spain and Portugal, in consequence of their discoveries, was gradually diffused over Europe, and awakened a general spirit of industry and activity.