Changes produced by the opening of the Suez Canal—Sailing
fruit-clippers—Introduction of steamers into the Mediterranean
trade, 1840—Establishment of various steam lines, 1850—That of
Messrs. Frederick Leyland and Co., &c.—Their fleets—Messageries
Maritimes Company—Its origin and management—First contract
for the conveyance of the oversea French mails, 1851—Extension
of contracts, 1854-56—Brazil line, 1857—Vast extent of its
fleet—Largest vessels—Trade viâ the Suez Canal—Presumed advantage
of auxiliary engines—Not borne out by the results—Conveyance of
the Australian mails—Peculiar conditions of contracts—Failure of
the service—Stringent penalties—Australian steam services—Mr.
Alfred Holt’s line of steamers to China—Its success—Messrs.
Gellatly, Hankey, and Company—Messrs. Green and Company—Messrs.
Rathbone Brothers—Messrs. George Smith and Sons—Letter from Mr.
George Smith—Messrs. Smiths’ ships and their voyages to and from
India—Changes in the mode of conducting commerce with India and
China—Number of vessels through Suez Canal since its opening, and
their nationality