13. To manœuvre the ship in all winds and weather.

14. To be able to rig and unrig a ship.

15. To keep an accurate account of goods loaded and discharged, and properly to stow the same when shipped.

16. Azimuth observation and calculation.

17. Observation and calculation of latitude by the Polar Star, at all times when visible above the horizon.

18. Knowledge of the arrangement and use of the Nautical Almanack, and the New Copenhagen Supplement to the same.

19. Knowledge of the four brightest planets, latitude, observation, and calculations by the same on the meridian, as also lunars.

20. Skill and certainty in the use of the sextant.

21. Observation and calculation of the ship's time.

22. Observation and calculation of longitude by the Moon's distance. 23. Calculation of longitude by chronometer, with knowledge of the necessary observations on land, so as to determine the error and rate of the chronometer.

Should the person under examination not sufficiently answer the last eight questions, a certificate may be granted him; but, it must be expressly stated therein, that he is not sufliciently acquainted with these points of seamanship, and therefore better qualified for short sea voyages. Should he, on the contrary, answer these eight questions to the satisfaction of the examining commission, it shall be particularly stated in the certificate, that he is qualified for the command of all descriptions of ships to any part of the world.

§ 13. Of a captain will be required, besides perfect certainty and skill in what is known by a steersman, which he must have practically exercised as such, for at least a year :—

1. To rig a new ship, and be able to determine the length and thickness of the rigging, &c.

2. Accurate knowledge how he is to conduct himself from the moment that he takes his freight, until he reaches his destination, and has discharged his cargo.

3. Knowledge of so much as is most essential to a captain of maritime law, particularly that of Prussia.

4. Proper experience in keeping the ship's account.

5. A knowledge of maritime geography.

§ 14.-C. EXAMINATION OF PILOTS.-Nautical and astronomical science, or mathematical, is not required from a pilot, but the examination is principally to apply to the following:

1. The most accurate knowledge of the harbour at which the pilot seeks to be appointed.

2 A knowledge of manoeuvring ships of various descriptions, in any wind or weather, and to be capable of taking charge of ships.

4. A complete knowledge of the most desirable expedients in case of danger.

§ 15. The expenses of examination are fixed for captains, at ten dollars; for steersmen or pilots at five dollars, which the same as directed in § 8 are to be divided. However, in case of the want of means, on the part of the candidate, it rests with the authorities to reduce the amount of these dues.

Signed,

BARON BULOW, Minister of Commerce.

Berlin, 26th Feb. 1824.

MEAN LEVEL OF THE SEA.

Dec. 1, 1837.

WE were in hopes, Mr. Editor, of seeing some account of Captain Denham's discovery of a "Constant Sea Level," in the pages of the Nautical, as independent of its value to the engineer, &c., the subject is one of great interest to the seaman; and, I can assure you that some are on the qui vive for a plain intelligible account of the matter. For the slight notice of it during the late proceedings of the British Association, as given in the Athenæum, affords no clear idea of what is really meant. I allude to the following extracts:—

"Captain Denham gave an explanation (which was not inserted) of his principle of a constant sea-level, which he had ascertained to be at three hours before, and three hours after high water."* Again "This gentleman has recorded his most important general inference, drawn from a connected series of observations made on the tides; that there is one invariable mean height, common to neap and spring tides— the half-tide mark. A point from which engineers, geologists, and navigators, will henceforward commence their calculations, and adjust their standard of comparison."

If this law turns out to be general, the discovery will indeed be of vast importance; but whilst it continues an inference only, from local observations, there will probably be some reasonable hesitation in adopting the line. At present we require some light upon this very interesting subject; for many, even among seamen, who have not studied the tidal theory, may be puzzled to understand how a constant sea level can exist where tides vary in height, and are often irregular in time.

It appears, that at Liverpool, the eqinoxial spring tides rise 33 feet, ordinary springs 30, and neaps 23, influenced by northerly and southerly winds. The argument would be this: if the "half-tide mark” be the line admitted, and we are to regulate this by depth (as the term implies,) it seems evident that the half amount of the three tides would vary; the second with the first, one-foot and a half; the third with the first five feet; and again, the third with the second, three feet and a half from a uniform level. And the half-flood, in some places, if

* Athenæum, No. 516, p. 679. † p. 679.

we denominate from time, would be one hour, and that of the ebb from three to four and upwards. For myself, I take the words attributed to the discoverer; and, if we therefore consider that, at "three hours before high water, and three hours after high water," every day in the year, the rise and depression follow a fixed law of nature, by which the surface attains a uniform corresponding level, we arrive at what is meant, and at a very wonderful and important phenomenon.

If such should prove to be universal, it would of course answer the purpose for which it is stated to be applicable; but, although it should so answer, could it have reference to the true level of the ocean, properly so considered? The resolution of this question appears to be, independent of science, a matter of common sense, and can have no reference to the true sea level.

In conclusion, I may express a hope that he will favour the readers of the Nautical with an account of the discovery.

AN OLD FISH.

MR. EDITOR.---If Captain Denham's recent discovery of the surface of tidal waters presenting a line of coequal elevation, at two intervals of time from high water-preceding and succeeding-during the day, be found hereafter to be universal, it will set at rest the long disputed question of a superior permanency of level in any one part of the ocean over another, as far as the effects of the tides are concerned: for it is obvious, if a certain level be reached during the operation of the tides, which shall be co-equal in all parts of the ocean subject to the reciprocation, that, four times within the period of the diurnal and nocturnal floods and ebbs, this line of equal elevation will be attained, and consequently permanency of superior level be disproved.

AUSTRALIAN SURVEYS.-Torres Strait.

ARGONAUT.

SIR. The detailed account of the voyage in search of the survivors of the ship Charles Eaton, contained in the pages of the Nautical, has been perused with deep interest. The deplorable fate which attended the majority of those persons who had embarked in the unlucky vessel, has called forth feelings of commisseration, both in the colony and at home; but, do not the repeated calamitous occurrences which have overtaken ships in, and near Torres Straits, demand something more than the expressions of compassionate sentiments? some practical plan from which would result the discontinuance, or, at all events, the lessening of the murderous actions of the native islanders of the Strait, on Europeans, who may be so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. Humanity and policy dictate that some mode for restraining those roving and ferocious savages from their barbarous practices, with refer

ence to the white people, by the calamity of shipwreck thrown in their way, should forthwith be adopted; and, that either the authorities in the mother country, or the colonial government in Australia should derive some means for accomplishing so desirable an end.

It is evident, since the opening of the East India trade, and the progressive increase of exportable articles in Australia, that the number of vessels which frequent the route through Torres Strait, has been very much augmented; and as it is not equally obvious that it is the interest of both England and her Australian Colonies, to foster and protect this growing prosperity with all immaginable care. As the above named strait appears to be the readiest channel of communication from the south, to India, a good chart, upon a large scale, is of the very first importance; and as it seems pretty clear that, however useful those extant are, they do not embrace many spots of danger which lie scattered in and near to this corally branch of the ocean, would not a surveying vessel or two be most profitably employed there for a few years?

With respect to the former consideration, it would, probably, be only necessary at first to enclose a piece of land (purchased of course if there should be any owners) for growing provisions and rearing stock, and therein erecting a fort for defence, and barracks, &c. for the accommodation of a certain number of soldiers, who may be relieved annually. A light-house would in due time follow as not the least useful of the buildings.

A small schooner with an experienced commander, would be absolutely necessary, not only to look out for wrecks, but to attend to the wants of the military and also be the means of communication with Sydney. No doubt a slight tonnage charge on all vessels taking this route, collected in the different ports, would be cheerfully paid, and would assist if it did not cover the extra expences of such an establishment. The schooner's crew might be also employed in the purchase of turtle shell, &c.

The good" Shepherds" would be auxiliary, if their aid could be obtained, in softening down the ferocity of the savages: such a station as we are contemplating might serve as a resting place for those undaunted and zealous members of Christianity, the missionaries, whence they might gradually extend the benefits of their peaceable and truly laudable avocation, from the smaller islands to the great Papua itself, the sable inhabitants of which seem especially to have full claim to the appellation of" savage ;" and thus, whilst occupied in the pursuit of their divine mission, they would, without being diverted from their object by any worldly consideration, be rendering a most essential service to their country, by incidentally becoming the means of opening new sources of traffic to their secular brethren. The natives of Murray Island are represented as being less ferocious than those of Darnley, or others nearer New Guinea, if, thereENLARGED SERIES.-No. 3.-VOL. FOR 1838.

2 D

fore, its situation to the eastward be not an objection this favourable character of its inhabitants would point it out as a desirable spot for the establishment. To the westward are the York isles, and on the main of New Holland, the prominent Cape York, and indeed a multitude of other sites for selection; however, that excellent, useful officer, and worthy man Captain Parker King. R. N., is the best authority to be consulted upon this head, and no doubt from his high and well established character. the benefit of his advice would be cheerfully given upon so interesting an occasion.

As my object, Mr. Editor, is merely to draw attention to the subject, I will close these cursory remarks with a sincere hope and expectation that, the appeal will not be in vain

HUMANITAS.

Naval Chronicle.

HER MAJESTY'S PACKET, RANGER, broke from her moorings at Falmouth, on the 15th Feb. The sea drove her broadside on the shore, under Trefusis Hill; the packet force, under Captain Plumridge, had succeeded in saving her stores, and hopes are entertained that the vessel will be got off next spring tides.

THE FRENCH FRIGATE, LA TERPSICHORE, 60 guns, Captain Letourneur.— Twenty-eight days from Martinique, with loss of sails, spars, &c; leaky, having been on her beam-ends, obliged to throw fifteen of her guns overboard, and cut both anchors from her bows; was towed into the Cove of Cork on the 10th Feb., by the Ayr and Lee Steamers.

THE following gentlemen passed their examination in navigation on the 13th of February, at the Royal Naval Colege-Messrs. Alexander Charles Gordon, Robert Macure Sandom, Hon. Spencer Lyttleton, Wm. Ponsonby Johnson, Robert Hamilton Dundas, George Marriot, James Ptolemy Thurburn, Alexander Mc Naghten, Wm. Lumsden Mc Kenzie.

THE COLUMBUS STEAM-SHIP.-A spirited aqua-tint engraving, by Huggins, has just been published of this vessel, which our readers will remember as having Mr. Howard's patent vapour engines. The drawing is well executed and the vessel represented in a gale of wind at sea, has all that ease and businesslike appearance for which Huggins's pictures are celebrated. It is a good pic ture, and well worth the notice of collectors.

H.M.S. ADELAIDE, 104 GUNS.-Mr.

Oswald Walters Brierly is, we perceive, a candidate for the fame of an artist, in the difficult school of marine painting, and has commenced a series of views of our most celebrated men-of-war, of which the present, a lithograph by Haghe, is the second, and the Inconstant, noticed in a previous number, the first of the series. The bare masts and rigging of a threedecker, occupying a whole picture, are certainly but little calculated to gain favour for the artist; and we can only excuse such a choice on the score of faithful representation. But Mr. Brierly commands encouragement, he has the tact of making a good picture, and his efforts have been well seconded by Haghe. The present is a good promise of his future productions, and he bids fair to secure for them the good opinion of naval judges.

FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY.— The chief of the naval administration of the United Kingdom undertakes one of the most important and responsible offices of the state. To him and to his coadjutors, are intrusted the proper management and direction of the great arm of our strength, and, with it, the highest interests of the community. Without a well-appointed and commanding naval force, the British army, and the lofty spirit of Britons would be confined to their own shores at home, and become powerless and unknown abroad; their commerce would fall into decay, and pass into other hands, and we should once more be reproached as the Britanni toto ab orbe exclusi, instead as now known, and feared, and respected in every part of the globe.

In the selection therefore, of the minis