234 THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. 



classical instruction a more copious and vivid illustration of 

 the lands which have given birth and subject to this part of 

 learning; and by admitting even the physical sciences to 

 contribute their share to such illustration. It may be urged 

 that this would require a higher competence and more 

 various knowledge in those to whom the act of teaching is 

 committed. We admit the inference, but do not on this 

 account withdraw or abate the demand to which it applies. 

 If what we have pointed out be recognised as desirable, 

 the means and methods of attainment are sure in these days 

 to be found.* 



The volume of Admiral Smyth on the Mediterranean has 

 various merits, which we fully appreciate. As a writer, he 

 is chargeable with some little eccentricities of style ; but he 

 brings to his subject great nautical and scientific knowledge, 

 much earnestness of purpose, and the results of an active 

 personal survey of many coasts of this Sea; and of some, 

 especially on the African side, before imperfectly known. 

 His work is dedicated to the veteran Admiral Beaufort; 

 whose long labours as Hydrographer to the Admiralty have 

 well and worthily sustained the reputation he acquired from 

 his admirable researches on the coasts of Asia Minor. 

 Admiral Smyth's own labours are honourably attested by a 

 catalogue of more than one hundred charts presented to the 

 Admiralty; and by numerous facts in relation to currents, 

 tides, soundings, winds, and other aqueous and atmospheric 



* The institution of the Geographical Society of London, and the zeal with 

 which its objects are pursued, is well calculated to forward the object of teach- 

 ing travellers where and how to travel, and what objects still remain to be ful- 

 filled. We gladly see attached to it the names of some members of the ' Yacht 

 Club ; ' itself a national institution, peculiar to England, and admirably 

 fitted to sustain that national vigour and enterprise on the seas, upon which 

 our greatness as a State so essentially depends. We honour this spirit of en- 

 terprise in the recent exploit of Lord Dufferin, who, in his little yacht of 80 tons 

 boldly entered the Arctic seas; visiting Iceland, Jan Mayen's Isle, and even 

 the icy coasts of Spitzbergen, as far north as lat. 78 44'. 



