Page:A Life of Matthew Fontaine Maury.pdf/155

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"LANES" FOR STEAMERS.
141

disposition, soft and gentle in his manners, he won the love and esteem of his associates, and became a favourite throughout the service. None knew him better or loved him more than,

Respectfully,
M. F. Maury, Lieutenant U.S.N.
To Hon. Isaac Toncey,
Secretary of the Navy,
Washington.

There is a handsome monument elected to his memory in the parade ground of the Naval School at Annapolis, Md., on which is recorded the manner of his death, to the end that the future heroes of our service may read thereof and do likewise.

In 1855 Maury published a chart with two lanes laid down, each 25 miles broad, for the use of steamers going and returning across the Atlantic, by following which they avoid the danger of the frequent collisions which were then taking place with other steamers, sailing-vessels, and icebergs particularly amid the dense fogs which hang perpetually over the banks of Newfoundland.

The Montgomery Advertiser and Gazette, of May 20th, 1855 thus noticed the new chart:—

"This present enterprise is to suggest a method by which collisions between steamers plying between this country and Europe may be avoided.

"To accomplish this, Lieutenant Maury proposes a double track, and lays down a sailing route, or routes, by which it can be done. 'If steamers,' says Maury, 'would agree to follow two such routes, I think that I could lay them off so as to have them quite separate, except at the two ends, without materially lengthening the passage either way.'

"Circulars have been sent out with a view to gain the object contemplated. We agree with Professor De Bow's