THE AVENGER.-A letter dated April the 8th, from Rome says "A portion of the wreck of the Avenger, lost on the Sorelli rocks, (Tunis) has turned up on the Roman shore, near the Torre de St. Augustine, six miles west of Civita Vecchia. Although washed on shore on the 19th of March, it was not taken to Civita Vecchia till the 5th of April, when the Vice-Consul, Mr. Lowe, discovered "Avenger, F. D. P., 1846," with the broad arrow between the initials and the year. It appears to be the lower part of a mast, or the bowsprit, twenty-six feet long, and six feet, ten inches, in circumference.

The Aurora, Scott from Liverpool to St. John's, N.B., arrived at Halifax on the 18th of March, with part of the passengers taken from the wreck of the Omega, Garrick, from Liverpool to New York; twenty of whom subsequently died of starvation.

THE COMPETITOR.-This vessel left Gravesend on the 17th June last, for Port Adelaide, was struck by lightning when near the Island of St. Paul. The occurrence is thus described by one of the passengers :-"On the first occasion a ball of fire, apparently double the size of a man's head, came down the main rigging, and passing over from the port to the starboard side of vessel, disappeared in the water. At the first appearance of the meteor, some of the crew were working at the pumps, the first and second mates standing by, and the wind blowing what is called half a gale.' The deck was strewed with sparks, as if scattered from a fire-brand, and many persons below as well as on deck felt the shock. The two mates and four men at the pumps were not only struck down, but felt the effects for some time after. A portion of the pump was melted, as was also the leaden apron' which encompasses the mast, just above the deck; and a portion of the latter in a molten state, was carried a distance of some yards, and found embedded in the deck. On the second occasion, within a quarter of an hour afterwards, the shock was still more terrise. The electric fluid struck the foremast and ran down the rigging, and simultaneously it struck the iron tanks in the half-deck, producing a noise resembling the heavy discharge of ordnance, and leaving between decks a sulphureous smoke, like that arising from gunpowder. A seaman, who had just unrigged a pump, and was removing the gear, was precipitated to the foot of a hatchway ladder." It does not appear that any injury beyond that described, has been sustained by the vessel, cargo, or anybody on board.

NAVAL APPRENTICES.-There are now on board the San Josef 200 boys, who are apprenticed to the Naval Service, and who a short time since were beating about the streets. The boys have the middle deck of the San Josef for their use, and schoolmasters have been appointed for their education. For their encouragement, a system of rewards has been established, which promotes a spirit of emulation. 'I he Nautilus brig is appropriated for their exercise as infantry. An excellent code of regulations has been drawn up by Sir Henry Leeke, setting forth the occupations of every hour, and the most minute details of duty. The system of apprenticeship, by which 600 boys are now being regularly educated for the Service in three of our naval ports, is likely to be of great benefit to the Service, and no doubt prove a nusery for good seamen. Sir J. West inspected the establishment on the 14th instant. The boys went through their various evolutions, much to the satis faction of the admiral, who expressed himself pleased with their proficiency.

THE ROYAL POLytechnic InstitUTION was on Wednesday evening opened for a private view of the scientific wonders collected for the amusement of the public. During the recess the whole interior has been renovated, and a most important addition made in the shape of a large and well-proportioned theatre, to be dedicated to scientific recreations. The assembled visitors were amused by a lecture on the structure and functions of insects by Mr. Goadby, illustrated by a powerful oxy-hydrogen microscope; whilst in the smaller theatre Dr. Ryan dilated on the philosophic mysteries of the breakfast table. Another attraction was a series of dissolving views illustrative of scenes in the Holy Land. Various curiosities were scattered in profusion over the various departments, and the Polytechnic Institution may be fairly recommended to the notice of the sight seekers who are likely to be scattered over the metropolis during the approaching holidays.

The Barbara, Cook, from New York to Cork, with one hundred and thirty passengers, and twelve of the crew of the Omega, struck on the north point of the "Spout," near Petty Harbour, Newfoundland, fell over and sunk on the 2nd of April. Only forty persons were saved, of whom four or five died from cold and exhaustion. The Omega is stated to have been of 1277 tons burthen, belonging to Stromness, Mr. D. Carrick, Commander, left Liverpool on the 16th of January, with three hundred and fifteen emigrants for New York.

THE EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN.-The Herald, 26, Capt. Kellet, C.B., was at Point Chirambira, above Panama, on the 25th of February, when she was ordered to proceed to Behring's Straits in search of Sir John Franklin and party. In the first instance she was to go to Petropolski (a Russian settlement of Kampschatka). An officer of the Herald observes, "We are particular in this (off Panama) portion of our survey, as numerous rivers debouch on this coast, which take their rise in mountains in the back ground. Similar rivers descend the eastern side, rendering a passage across the isthmus possible at this point. In fact, we have met men here who assert that, the River San Juan runs to within a quarter of a league of the Atrato, a river on the opposite side, navigable for large boats. Should this be found correct, the new road in this direction (across the isthmus) would soon supersede the one at Panama, as the anchorage at Chagres is so unsafe."

ADMIRALTY COURT.-(Before Dr. Lushington.)-The Mayflower.-Collision. This was an action brought by the Zante packet, to recover the amount of damage sustained by reason of a collision between that vessel and the Mayflower, on the 14th of July, 1845, between the South Foreland and Dover Roads. The Trinity Masters imputed the blame solely to the Mayflower, and the learned judge condemned her in the damage, with costs.

The Isaac Allerton.-In this case an action was brought by the Liverpool and Dublin Steam Packet Company, to recover the amount of damage inflicted upon the steamer Queen Victoria, by reason of a collision with the Isaac Allerton, on the 10th of November last, a few miles from the Skerries Light. The Trinity Masters attributed the collision entirely to the Isaac Allerton. The Court pronounced for the damage and costs.

NAVAL FORCE OF GREAT BRITAIN.-The following is the official return of the present Naval Force of the United Kingdom :-Flag- Officers.Admiral of the Fleet, Sir J. H. Whitshed, Bart., G.C.B. Admirals.Of the Red, 10; of the White, 10; of the Blue, 10; total 30. Vice Admirals.Of the Red, 15; of the White, 15; of the Blue, 15; total 45. Rear Admirals. Of the Red, 25; of the White, 25; of the Blue, 25; total 75. To consist of 150 Flag-Officers; viz., 30 Admirals, or 10 of each squadron; 45 Vice-Admirals, or 15 of each squadron; and 75 Rear-Admirals, or 25 of each squadron. Retired Rear-Admirals, 47; to be reduced to 25; on the pay of £1 per diem, 96: ditto 36, at 18s. per diem; 132, to be reduced to 100. Captains for service, 544; to be reduced to 500; retired under Her Majesty's Order in Council, August 10th, 1840, 50. Commanders for service, 869; retired under His Majesty's Order in Council, January 30, 1816, 97; retired under His Majesty's Order in Council November 1st, 1830, 208; retired from the Masters' List, under Her Majesty's Order in Council, May 18th, 1846, 39. Naval-Knights of Windsor (Lieutenants), 7; Lieutenants for service, 2,339. Masters for service, 435. Mates, 49. Second Masters, 160. Chaplains retired or entitled to half-pay, 55; 51 not entitled to halfpay, but holding civil appointments.

Medical Officers.-Director-General of the Medical Department of the Navy, Sir William Burnett, Knt., M.D., K.C.H., F.R.S.; Inspectors of Hospitals and Fleets, 6; retired, 6; Deputy-Inspectors, 12; retired, 6; Physicians, 2; Surgeons for service, 354; Assistant-surgeons, 243 ; acting assistant-surgeons, 63; Surgeons retired, 26; on a commuted allowance, 35; unfit for further sea service, 222; Assistant surgeons, 43 ; Dispensers of Hospitals, 4,; Paymasters and Pursers for service, 456; retired under Her Majesty's Order in Council, January 10th, 1843, 38; Clerks qualified for Paymaster and Purser, 237; Naval Aides-de-Camp to Her Majesty, 11; Marine Aidesde-Camp, 2.

The Naval Force of Great Britain consists of 678 ships-of-war, (carrying from 1 to 120 guns each, of different calibre), either in commission, ordinary, or building; of these 165 are armed steamers, many of them built of iron, and propelled by the screw. This immense fleet employs, in time of peace, 45,000 able-bodied seamen, 2,000 stout lads, and 14,000 Royal Marines, consisting of 100 companies, thus divided :-Head-quarters, Chatham, 1st division, 24 companies; Portsmouth, 2nd division, 28 companies; Plymouth, 3rd division, 24 companies; Woolwich, 4th division, 24 companies. Royal Marine Artillery, 10 companies, head-quarters, Portsmouth. Besides the above, are the embodied dockyard battalions of Deptford, Woolwich, Sheerness, Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Devonport, and Pembroke; all of whom are instructed in gunnery and battery defence, and are always ready in case of emergency.-Nautical Standard.

Discoveries in Australia.—The Adelaide Observer has the following:“ The New South Wales exploration party, under Mr. Deputy-Surveyor Burnett, has traced down the Boyne to lat. 24° 53′ 50′′, where it was strongly influenced by the tide, and beyond which points the party could not usefully prosecute the desired explorations; but they had arrived sufficiently near the coast to be quite certain that the outlet of the Boyne was in Hervey s Bay, most probably at the spot where Flinders noticed two shallow inlets, but which he did not examine. Mr. Burnett has no doubt the Boyne will be found navigable for steamers and sailing craft to a considerable extent, and until very extensive means of road communication shall be found connected with the head of navigation."

NO. 5.-VOL. XVI I.

2 N

NEW BOOKS.

NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGE OF THE SAMABANG, during the years 1843-46, employed surveying the Islands of the Eastern Archipelago; accompanied by a brief vocabulary of the principal languages. Published under the authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, by Sir Edward Belcher, R.N., C.B., F.R.S., F.G.S, &c., Commander of the Expedition, with notes on the natural history of the islands, by Arthur Adams, Assistant surgeon, R.n. The contributions of hydrographic surveyors, to the general store of knowledge, have neither been few, nor unimportant. The journals of Beechey, Foster, King, Fitzroy, and Stokes, afford evidence of the assiduity and diver. sified intelligence, with which this section of naval officers labour in their prescribed vocation, is carried on; and give abundant proof of the energy and perseverence with which they collect materials for publication, and record their daily proceedings. If we have enlightened and eloquent histories of important national events, from the pens of military writers, graphic details of heart-stirring campaigns, episodes exceeding romance and drama, in daring and pathetic incident, and not unfrequently a lurid unfolding of the intricate texture of national policies, and stratagetical statesmanship; from the naval literali, (created by the Hydrographic Office,) we have the researches of fresh and unfettered intellect, in new and untrodden fields of nature; startling situations of individual peril, that seem designed only for the illustration of individual bravery; manifestations of resource and promptitude in extremity, and personal exposure that wear the bearing of inspiration from a presiding providence, together with invaluable hints for the young and aspiring seaman, in the important accomplishment of knowing "what to observe and how to observe." Such works can scarcely be perused without engendering a love of knowledge, and also of adventure; both of which, tend at once to form and to dignify the character of the British naval officer. But they do much more than this; they often suggest the most important views of what should be the policy of Great Britain, towards distant countries. They do their utmost to enlighten her statesmen on the great questions of our commercial relationships; and where their evidence is candidly received, they assist in dispelling many absurd and injurious illusions in the minds both of senators and of the public.

In calling the attention of our readers, to the two interesting volumes before us, we have to observe that, on the return of Sir Edward Belcher from his former voyage, in H.M.S. Sulphur, in 1842, during the continuance of hostilities with China, he offered his services, to take part in the operations, expected to be proceeded with in the ensuing spring. They were accepted, and he, consequently, commissioned the Samarang, of twenty-six guns, on the 17th of November, of that year.

About this period, however, intelligence of the conclusion of the treaty of peace arrived, and the object of Sir Edward's voyage was happily changed.

His talents were now required for an employment more conducive to the advancement of civilization, and to the true principles of international policy; and we find him engaged to proceed to the Chinese Seas, for the purpose of making a satisfactory survey of regions, the hydrographic knowledge of which was by the opening of several Chinese ports, rendered of such great importance to British commerce.

The Samarang left Spithead on the 26th of January, 1843, but did not reach Falmouth until the 5th of February, owing to the severe gales that prevailed. Here, agreeably with Sir Edward's instructions, the Samarang was swung, to determine the amount of local attraction, and experiments were made on shore with Hansteen's needles. These were conducted at the

house of Robert Ware Hose, Esq, to whose scientific merits a well-deserved compliment is paid en passant.

On the evening of the 9th of February, 1843, the Samarang proceeded to sea, and on the 25th, passed between the Island of Fuertaventura, (Canaries,) and the coast of Africa. Here, in lat. 27° 7′ N., long. 14° 34′ W., she fell in with the wreck of a large vessel, which had been observed on the homeward voyage of the Sulphur, off the coast of Portugal; the fore part of her bow timbers and stem, still above water. Her drift to this position is considered, by Sir Edward, as evidence of the prevailing southerly currents, for being two-thirds immersed, and probably covered with barnacles, she could have been but little affected by the wind.

On the 2nd of March, the Samarang passed the Island of Bonavista, and "much closer to the breakers," observes Sir Edward, "than we should have ventured, had I been aware of the danger reported in that neighbourhood." The next day she anchored in the Bay of Porto Praya, in the Island of St. Jago, Cape de Verds. Here she remained four days, refitting, watering, and completing astronomical observations, the observing position being "upon Quail Island, rather nearer to the landing place than the centre of the island, and just below the highest ground."

"I deem it necessary," remarks Sir Edward, "to be particular in stating these facts, because discrepancies are frequently noticed by successive visitors to the same port, which may be traced to the difference in locality. Magnetic observations for correct comparison should always be conducted in one particular site, and especially amongst islands of volcanic origin. At Tahiti, the differences of observation are often great. The consul, or principal merchant should be apprised of the exact spot, and the place should be marked, if time permit, by some such effectual method as digging a hole and filling it up with lime and stones, which will soon become a solid conglomerate. Three good angles to conspicuous objects, would also assist in finding such a position.

"The amount of magnetic variation or dip, is well known to differ on the eastern and western sides of islands, ard therefore on basaltic or trap formations too much care cannot be taken to select the same localities, used by former observers. The data offered to prove the question of annual change can be of little value otherwise, although we may notice in recent publications, the deduction of this element, from the year 1600 to the present, without any certain knowledge of the positions at which they were observed."

These remarks seem well worthy of remembrance by other observers. After leaving Porto Praya, the Samarung directed her course to the Cape, and there her commander had the pleasure to meet the discovery ships, Erebus and Terror, and to exchange social and naval courtesies with his good friends, Ross and Crozier.

On leaving Simon's Bay, the Samarang sailed for Singapore, and thence to Borneo; the instructions comprehending an especial visit to Sarawak, and its justly celebrated British Rajah. For many particulars of this sojourn we must return to the work at future opportunities, and also for numerous interesting facts, relating to the social, political, and moral condition of the islands visited, contributed by Mr. Adams, in addition to that department especially committed to him, namely: the natural history of the places described. The loss and recovery of the Samarang, in the River Sarawak, will be found a most interesting incident in the history of proceeding, and is another testimony of the resource and promptitude of Britons, both officers and seamen, in the hour of emergency. The attack of the pirates, and their defeat is also an episode of much and heart-stirring effect. Altogether, the work will well repay a perusal, in the variety and importance of its informa