ESTIMATED DEPTH OE THE SEA. 9 



other * This last estimate has, however, only a relative value : if wo 

 apply it to the Pacific, continuing westward and eastward the coasts 

 of Asia and America, we should find as the lowest pomt, and lying 

 (according to this hypothesis) to the east of Easter Island, a depth of 



Fig. 2.— Depths of the Mriatic. 

 (The parts marked by cross-shading are 270 fathoms and upwards in depth.) 



about 151 miles, three times the elevation of the highest mountain in 

 the world. Evidently it is by direct observation that we must hope, 

 some day, to know all the projections and undulations of the bottom 

 of the ocean; but the instruments which seamen can command are stiH 



* Earth and Matt, pp. 76, 77. 



