denominated, as a channel through which we may convey
wholesome advice a palatable shape. If we would point out an error, we
draw a character, and although that character appears to weave naturally
into the tale of fiction, it becomes as much a beacon, as is a vehicle
of amusement. We consider this to be the true art of novel-writing, and
that crime and folly and error can be as severely lashed, as virtue and
morality can be upheld, by a series of amusing causes and effects, that
entice the reader to take a medicine, which, although rendered agreeable
to the palate, still produces the same internal benefit as if it had
been presented to him in its crude state, in which it would either be
refused or nauseated.

In our naval novels, we have often pointed out the errors which have
existed, and still do exist, in a service which an honour to its
country; for what institution is there on earth that is perfect, or into
which, if it once was perfect, abuses will not creep? Unfortunately,
others have written to decry the service, and many have raised up their
voices against our writings, because they felt that, in exposing error,
we were exposing them. But to this we have been indifferent; we felt
that we were doing good, and we have continued. To prove that we are
correct in asserting that we have done good, we will, out of several,
state one single case.

In "The King's Own," a captain, when requested to punish a man
_instanter_ for a fault committed, replies that he never has and never
will punish a man until twenty-four hours after the offence, that he may
not be induced by the anger of the moment to award a severer punishment
than in his cooler moments he might think commensurate--and that he
wished that the Admiralty would give out an order to that effect.

Some time after the publication of that work, the order was given by the
Admiralty, forbidding the punishment until a certain time had elapsed
after the offence; and we had the pleasure of knowing from the First
Lord of the Admiralty of the time, that it was in consequence of the
suggestion in the novel.

If our writings had effected nothing else, we might still lay down our
pen with pride and satisfaction; but they have done more, much more, and
while they have amused the reader, they have improved the service; they
have held up in their characters a mirror, in which those who have been
in error may see their own deformity, and many hints which have been
give