486 MALTA. 
justifies the observation of Bonaparte, when he entered it, " that it 
was fortunate there was someone within to open the gates for him." 
In the hands of the masters of the sea, it is an invaluable possession. 
Its harbours afford protection from every wind, and its dockyards 
furnish supplies for a fleet, at a smaller expense than they can fre- 
quently be procured in England; while its fresh provisions, fruit 
and vegetables, insure health to the seamen. As a naval station it 
protects the trade of the Levant, and renders the secret approach 
of a hostile squadron towards any part of the Turkish dominions, 
nearly impracticable; and so long as Great Britain preserves it, 
the gigantic plans of Bonaparte in the Mediterranean can never be 
carried into effect, nor can he impress, on the Barbary Powers, that 
idea of his importance, which is necessary to induce them to abandon 
all connection with us. As trade increases, the island will become 
a depot for the woollens, cottons, and hardware of England, which 
will be thence carried away, to all the surrounding coasts, by the 
vessels of the inhabitants. This will greatly increase the revenue, 
and soon render Malta a profit instead of an expense ; even at pre- 
sent the necessary civil expenses are but small, and but little, if at 
all, exceeding the revenue. Malta requires only four thousand men 
for a garrison, but that number has generally been exceeded, not 
for the use of the place, but as a valuable and healthy depot, whence 
they could be removed to any place where their services are re- 
quired. This cannot be considered as part of the expense of 
Malta. 
I was very much struck with the magnificent church of St. John, 
which still preserves the monuments of the illustrious Masters of 
' the Order. The silver rail of the altar, and the lamps have, indeed^ 
