71 



consequently, whilst navigation did not extend much beyond the Atlantic, 

 and was confined principally to regions in which the track is required 

 to be modified, on account of winds, the disadvantage of using Mer- 

 cator's sailing was 'not practically experienced. But the length of our 

 voyages have since been greatly extended ; more than two hundred 

 vessels from this port alone have, in the last year, sailed on a voyage 

 to circumnavigate the earth. The Pacific is now oftener crossed 

 than the Atlantic was in the time of Mercator and Wright, so that ten 

 times the amount of saving can be now eftected in the length of the 

 voyage. From Liverpool to New York, scarcely a hundred miles can 

 be saved ; whilst, in a voyage from Panama to Shanghai, a saving of 

 1200 miles is effected. 



But this is not aU the advantage to be derived from a knowledge of the 

 principles of great circle sailing in the Pacific. Previously to 1847, the 

 route proposed for steamers, between the west coast of America and China, 

 was from Panama, coaling at the Sandwich Islands — a distance of about 

 9,500 miles, against 5,000 by the route known by the name of Lieutenant 

 Maury's track. By the chart, the Panama route appears the better; 

 but, on examining the globe, the error of the chart is made apparent. 

 We need not, however, select as our illustration a track in which our 

 American friends are more interested than om'selves. There is a route 

 which might be daily traversed by Liverpool sailing ships, which, as a 

 case of great circle sailing, may be adduced as an example of its value. 

 Many ships that take out freights of deals, slate, or bricks to Australia, 

 call, on the homeward voyage, at the Chincha Islands for a cargo of 

 guano. The route usually taken is by the north of New Zealand — the 

 most direct, as appears by the chart, but not so if we consult the globe. 

 The distance by the great circle is nearly 1,000 miles less. But this is not 

 the only advantage. The great circle takes the ship into regions in 

 which the winds are more favourable, and, in other respects, more 

 advantageous for navigation. (See plate No. l.J 



A friend 'of mine was speaking of great circle sailing, a few days 

 since, when he remarked that he did not much value it, because the 

 mariner should consult the winds, and be rather guided by them, than 

 be induced to adopt the great circle route in shortening his distance. 

 I agree with him that the greatest value should be attached to favourable 

 winds. No practical man would advocate the adoption of any route 

 without considering the winds that prevail in the region through which 

 he is required to navigate ; but I contend, that, with all the know- 

 ledge of the winds that I hope may hereafter result from the system 

 introduced by Lieutenant Maury, still the mariner could not avail liimself 



