THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. 251 



the ocean, is sure according to all analogy to possess a 

 Fauna and Flora more or less peculiar to itself; with subor- 

 dinate distinctions from the various climates of the lands 

 adjoining it, and the deep penetration of its gulfs into the 

 surrounding continent. But there is a further interest, yet 

 more appropriate to the Mediterranean, in the relation of its 

 living natural history to the more ancient records we possess 

 of animal and vegetable life. History, poetry, and philo- 

 sophy are alike illustrated by the identification of species ; 

 and by the removal of those errors which a vague nomen- 

 clature and imperfect classification have propagated from 

 one age to another. This has been strikingly exemplified 

 on various coasts of the Mediterranean of late years, and 

 especially in Palestine and Egypt; where the illustration 

 blends itself with sacred history, and scientific research be- 

 comes a living commentary on the books of Scripture. Those 

 who have read Dr. Stanley's admirable work on Syria and 

 Palestine, will appreciate the value as well as interest of the 

 evidence derived from this method of research. Another 

 striking instance of such illustration may be found in the 

 researches of Professor E, Forbes, among the Mollusca and 

 Radiata of the ^Egean Sea ; which, while attesting his own 

 merits as an observer, give proof of the wonderful knowledge 

 and accuracy of Aristotle in this as in so many other depart- 

 ments of natural science, 



A volume might be written on the Eivers of the Medi- 

 terranean. While forming a remarkable part of its physical 

 history, very many, perhaps the greater number, are familiar 

 to us under the same classical association as the shores 

 whence they issue into the sea. No natural features indeed 

 fix and endear these associations so much as rivers. They 

 mark and define the events of history; they feed with 

 pleasing or pathetic images the fancy of the poet; they 

 furnish even the most profound philosophy with illustration 



