In my remarks on the Country Service, however, I beg to be understood, as speaking of officers and commanders generally; for although I feel it incumbent upon me, in the position which I take upon myself to assume, to represent their professioual character as being very inefficient as a body, notwithstanding, as I observed before, the tacit admission, or probably the unquestioned justice of their pretensions, yet, I admit that there are among them several remarkable exceptions, individuals of respectable abilities,-men who have devoted most faithful services, industry and perseverance to the advantages of their employers. The splendid performances of Clifton, Henderson and Wallace, for instance, (as well as several others,) form an interesting page in the annals of navigation, not only in running between this place and China in such extraordinary short periods, as would be considered incredible some years ago, but beating against the monsoons in the China sea, which was always before considered impracticable, I believe, even, by the Honorable Company's splendid merchantmen. It is true that the individuals whom I have just mentioned, had many desirable advantages. In the first place, the vessels they respectively commanded, were built expressly for the opium trade, and were not inferior, I may say that they were in reality superior, to any class or description of merchant ships in the world, of their own burthen. Art and experience combined, rendered them perfectly qualified as first rate sailers and sea-boats. And, again, the profitable business in which they were engaged, afforded to the utmost wishes of their respective commanders, every thing with respect to equipment, that could possibly be desired to enable them to face any weather. And as some of the proprietors or partners, in the traffic, were rich Natives, whose disposition it was, as long as it continued a matter of gaiu, never to scruple to contribute liberally to its efficiency; and from the spirit of competition which prevailed among the parties concerned in the trade, the commanders alluded to, had every encouragement; and it was their interest, on account of the liberal emoluments they enjoyed, to persevere for the furtherance of the general weal. I allude not to the present position of this subject, but the state of the trade a few years past. Although I have especially mentioned those commanders, yet, I doubt not, that others could be obtained to suit the purpose as well as they. But how can this be ascertained? All that comes to notice, is simply, that such a vessel ran the distance in a certain time.

We do not trouble ourselves with any examination of log-books, nor with ascertaining the commander's professional abilities with reference to the course he adopted, under the peculiar circumstances of "wind and weather." These considerations are unheeded, to the manifest prejudice of the most important interests of shippers, owners, and even of commanders themselves.

The mercantile shipping of the port of Calcutta has latterly assumed very interesting position. It consists at the present moment of not less than or capacity, for of course so does a commander, and compare the amount of intellect and knowledge of one class with that of the other, and there are ten chances to one, that you will find any One of those individuals possessed of more knowledge than the ten commanders together, even in matters connected with the profession of the latter. How often have I heard commanders say, 'It'a a d→→d schoolmaster's puzzle,” in reference to some useful rule or problem in navigation.

100 sea-going vessels, the aggregate registered tonnage of which, amounts to about 31,702 tons, the property of gentlemen, (of course) residing in Calcutta.. They are all officered by Europeans, or British subjects; and insured by the Cal cutta merchants, at the enormous sum of about Rs. 40,00,000. This is the amount of insurance effected on the ships alone; but what risk may be at stake on ́ ships and cargo together, at any given time, I have not been able to find any data by which to calculate the amount. Each of the principal agency houses has the management of a marine insurance office; and almost every individual of the mercantile body has an interest in all, or nearly all the insurance societies; consequently the insurers or share-holders are not so numerous as might be supposed, as they are, I believe, with very few exceptions, composed of the mercantile community. It is, therefore, very evident that the insurance societies have it peculiarly in their province to establish regulations, with a view to general or reciprocal benefits, which, (we have reason to think) might be no less desirable on other accounts, than advantageous in the management of the shipping interests, if duly brought to practice. But with the solitary exception of the general board of survey, not one rule, that I am aware of, exists to this intent. No doubt this is owing to the want of sufficient knowledge of existing irregularities.

It may, perhaps, be said, (because the subject, as far as I can learn, has never been with due impartiality considered,) that the Country Service have always discharged their engagements to the general satisfaction of employers and others concerned; and that if it remain in as competent a state, as that in which it has hitherto been, innovation is unnecessary. To this hypothesis, however, I beg leave especially to remark; that 1 feel confident, there is not an intelligent individual, (out of the service) that ever possessed an opportunity of examining the question, and sufficiently capable of judging its merits, could ever draw such a conclusion. Nay more, few there are, who have given this subject due consideration, that will say, ten or twelve years at sea is, (without other qualifications) sufficient to enable a man to perform the momentous duties required of a commander, and ascertain latitude and longitude independent of the aid of other acquirements, besides having been at sea, for so many years, (a circumstance to which sailors themselves, indeed, attach great importance.) And there are as few who have had much intercourse with commanders, especially in Calcutta, that have not remarked their extreme ignorance, and even regretted to see such uncultivated men, placed in situations, in which general and scientific knowledge are most desirable, because indispensably requisite.

The authors who have treated on the science of navigation, generally define it to be the art of ascertaining a ships position at sea, and her course to, and distance from, any given place. In the alliterative phrase in common use among sailors, of "latitude, longitude, lead, and lookout," the indispensable requisites for a navigator are significantly expressed. Lead and lookout, however, are merely a fore-mast-man's part to perform, but the first part of the phrase indcates the portion entrusted and assigned to the commander solely. For to be able at all times to ascertain latitude and longitude, depends no less on experience than on superior education,

and well grounded knowledge in science: else why is not any man before the mast, provided he be steady and trust-worthy, suited for the situation of a commander. What melancholy contradictions to this idea come often to our notice, deduced from the consequences of want of due precaution in bestowing com mands

Little or no improvement has been made in navigation since the beginning of the present century, if we except a few discoveries in hydrography, and some improvements in chronometers. But, although these may render important services to the navigator, they are neither part nor parcel of his profession; for a sunken rock or shoal may be discovered by mere accident, and consequently, such discovery is unaided by the assistance of practical sciene. It will hence be understood, that every one who offers himself as a candidate for the command of a ship, has, at least, an opportunity of making himself thoroughly master of every thing useful in the different branches of navigation; because, there is scarcely any thing new in it, (which he can be expected to practice,) or with which he has not had, an opportunity of making himself perfectly acquainted; as we suppose him provided with good charts. And be it considered, that it is with the (admitted, and sometimes declared,) understanding of perfect proficiency, or rather of his perfect knowledge of his profession, that every commander takes charge of his ship. If it be not, let us suppose a person offering his services for the command of a ship, and in answer to the general question of, "do you consider yourself competent?" had the candour to say that he had been fifteen years at sea, and could rig and handle a ship as well as any man; but that he could not ascertain the latitude, unless he saw the sun at noon, or at its meridian altitude; and that he knew nothing of finding the latitude by "double altitudes," nor by the moon, nor by a star, nor planet." In short," says he, "if a cloud or shower obscures the sun at 12 o'clock, then my knowledge of the latitude for that day is lost. And, although I can work the chronometer, I am not able to ascertain the longitude by the lunar method because the theory is too difficult, and based upon too complicated a principle for me to comprehend." Let us suppose all this, and further that he never calculated the ship's position by account or dead-reckoning, in consequence of its taking up too much time, as he always preferred being entirely disengaged, with the exception of looking at what was going on, and smoaking a cheroot, or drinking a glass of grog, occasionally. What hope could this man have to obtain the object of his desire. Instead of success, indeed, he would meet with ridicule and contempt. Now, although he would thus be candid enough to reduce his knowledge of navigation to mere nothing, he would be, upon the whole, as efficient a commander, and use the very same methods of ascertaining his position at sea, as nine-tenths of the skippers sailing out of Calcutta.

When we consider, also, that a successful discharge of the duties of the navigator's office, depends in a very considerable degree, on a well grounded knowledge of geography, astronomy, and mathematics, the component parts of his art; we feel, surprised, how he can possibly manage at all, when we are fully convinced

that he scarcely knows any more of these sciences, than he does, (of the imaginary ones) of astrology, or alchymy. But it is needless to look for scientific acquirements, amongst a class of men, not one in ten of whom could ever see any merit in making himself acquainted with his own mother language; although sufficiently aware of the advantages of being, " able to read and write,” well.

There is perhaps nothing so much calculated to excite contempt toward a man, as a proof of his being unqualified for the employment or occupation he follows. The truth of this remark will be perhaps elucidated by relating the following circumstances. One of the most dashing ships that belongs to Calcutta, touched, on a late occasion, at one of the ports to the eastward, where a parcel was sent on board for a house of business in Calcutta. There being no bills of lading at hand, the first mate supplied the shipper with a receipt for the parcel, and as this document has been shown to me, I take the liberty to transcribe it :—It is as follows:-"Reseaved on bord the ship oen pasel derecked for Calcut

Chief Officer.

What struck me as most remarkable in this paper, was the mate's mispelling the name of the ship, although it was on her stern, and as he generally wrote the log himself, which invariably bears the ships' name on the top of the page recording the day's performance. The receipt was written in that clumsy unconnected scrawl which always bespeaks the ignorant and illiterate writer. However, on his return to Calcutta after the next voyage, this man was preferred to the command of a ship, on board of which I had occasion to call on him, and found him an active bustling fellow. He was decently clad, and spoke the country language after his way, loquaciously. He had his ship in good order, and seemed to understand his business well. He was an established Country Captain, and would appear to a Frenchman," Hardi comme un coq sur son fumier," and " Fourrer a chaque trou une cheville." Indeed, you would not have find a fault with him, save a slip slop usage of the English language, such as, "I leaves," "they was," " more quickest," and "most comfortabler." He was recommended for his new situation by a commander of similar capacity to himself, as, a steady clever sailor; and he seemed, unquestionably, of opinion, that he had to thank his own merits alone, for his preferment, although be it notified, he could neither speak, read, nor write, and he is equally as contemptible a navigator. Nevertheless, there he is, talking about his intercourse with Civilians, and other leading members of society. He is not the only one of his stamp preferred:there are many similar cases; nor is it their fault but their fortune that blockheads should be raised to distinction while parties possessed of ability and merit are neglected. And, they will also take very good care, that if they have a favourable word to speak of any one, it is in behalf of one of their own caste; the characteristic declaration of which is, individually, "I mot ha bin a scholard if I lik'd, bọt I didn't lyke ut."

The instance which I have just alluded to, is one of the inducements which led me to record these remarks; but as that instance might possibly be considered

as a solitary exception to the general efficiency of the Country Service, I shall proceed to demonstrate the correctness of my remarks by stating a few instances of irregularity committed by commanders, of which I have been either an eye witness myself, or of which I have been very credibly informed. In proposing however, to submit my observations to the notice and scrutiny of others, it occured to me, that it would not be amiss to introduce such practical rules in explanation of the subjects under consideration, as might be deemed proper and desirable to render them more evident as instances of incapacity, neglect, or otherwise.

A Calcutta ship, sailed lately from China, in the middle of the southwest monsoon, and proceeded down to the straits of Malacca, on the course generally adopted at that season; but about half way, the Captain shaped his course westward, and within 24 hours of his directing the ship towards that point, the high land of Cochin China was observed a head. The ship came close to the land near Cape Pagoda, where she met with a calm which lasted for a week, during which time the Captain was reported dangerously ill. A day or two after coming into this calm, one of the officers took a set of altitudes, in order to ascertain the correctness of the chronometer, as the ship was near a shore, the longitude of which was pretty well known, and the timekeeper was found to correspond, as well as could be expected. No one was admitted to the Captain's cabin but the Chiefmate, who, notwithstanding the confidence reposed in him by his commander, did not fail to publish, that the skipper was " dead drunk." Some one, however, (for there were passengers on board) who felt an interest in ascertaining the real cause of this bungling business, found upon enquiry of the Captain himself, when he recovered, and his better humour was restored, that it was occasioned by a supposed alteration in the rate of the chronometer. It would be an insult to an intelligent man, to inform him that the equation of time, is an element applied to find the longitude by chronometers; and that it is an ever varying quantity, sometimes added to, and sometimes subtracted from, the apparent time, in order to ascertain the mean-time. It was inattention to this precept (caused by ignorance and want of scientific knowledge,) that led the Captain to try to pick up his lost longitude on the coast of Cochin China. To many, this affair might probably appear very simple, and that if the commander could not, otherwise, realize his knowledge of the longitude, he was quite right in adopting the most certain plain of ascertaining it. But, did he not lose it by ignorance, and absolute incapacity? Independant of this ship's having had a good deal of specie and bullion on board, which were anxiously looked for in the market, she lost a week at an expenditure, to the owners, of a very considerable sum in wages and provisions, besides wear and tear; and that too at a time when freight was in great demand. She lost this week also in a very unfavourable situation,-in the worst possible season,—in short on a lee shore in the height of the monsoon, on a coast very indifferently known.

Every one almost knows, that a chronometer is an instrument used on board of ship to assist the navigator; but in what manner this is effected, is not, perhaps, so generally understood. The principle, nevertheless, is a simple one, and is merely founded upon knowing the time at two given places, in the same