8 Voyage of the Novara. 



The frigate proved herself to be an excellent sailer, as, of 

 the various vessels which, throughout the voyage, sailed in 

 company with us, only three clippers outstripped her 



The question may here be asked, why, in the present state 

 of navigation, a sailing-vessel was preferred to a steamer 

 for this voyage? The principal consideration which decided 

 this selection was the greater disposable area which a sailing- 

 vessel offers in comparison with a steamer of the same dimen- 

 sions, in which coal and machinery occupy so large a space. 

 On the present occasion, it will be perceived that what was 

 specially wanted was room for as great a number of officers, 

 cadets, and men as possible, who were, as has been stated, to 

 make this voyage for improvement in nautical affairs. Plenty 

 of space was also required for the numerous instruments and 

 bulky collections of objects of natural history ; while in most 

 parts of the ocean which we were to traverse, the winds 

 blow so regularly, that, with very rare exceptions, sails form 

 the best motive power. The expense of fuel requisite for a 

 steamer, and the trouble of replacing it during the voyage, 

 are thus saved j whilst, finally, the space occupied by the men 

 employed in the management of the machinery, and that re- 

 quired for the stowage of special stores, would be withdrawn 

 from more important objects. 



After the frigate had been properly fitted up in the arsenal 

 of Pol a, she sailed on the 15 th March, 1857, foi' Trieste, where 

 she cast anchor on the lyth in the Bay of Muggia. H.I.M.'s 

 corvette Caroliney likewise fitted out at Pola for a voyage 



