ADDITIONAL NOTES.

P. 10, 1. 15. Dangerous currents near headlands
Mediterranean currents in general are of no great speed or range,
except at times when a persistent gale increases their force.
P. n, 1. 8. The Mediterranean a tideless sea
The Atlantic tides, being intercepted by the Straits of Gibraltar,
have little influence on the Mediterranean basin, whose water-level
has a seasonal variation seldom exceeding one or two feet. Never-
theless the tide is of perceptible strength in narrowing channels
between converging shores. The strange alternations and the great
force of the current in the Euripus, which rises at times to a
velocity of 6-7 knots, is due to a tide travelling up the two arms
of the Euboic channel at unequal speeds. The difference in the
level of the water in either channel, consequent upon this tidal
motion, creates a stream through the Chalcis Straits which reverses
its direction at irregular intervals.
In the Straits of Messina a tidal race flows alternately to north
and south through the centre of the channel, and counter-currents
set in along either shore. Between these opposite streams whirl-
pools form here and there.
P. n, 1. 23. Heracles a fire-god
It is hardly correct to describe Heracles as a fire-god. His
association with thermal springs was a natural development from
the widespread worship which he received as a god of healing.
P. 13,1. 6. Geographical works in Latin
Besides the works of Mela and Pliny, we still possess the geo-
graphical poem of Avienus, mentioned on p. 36 and elsewhere,
But as a contributor to geographical science Avienus was even
more negligible than Mela or Pliny.
Pp. 19, 20. The Argonauts
The Argonaut legend in all probability commemorated an actual
raid by adventurers from Greek lands into the Black Sea, ending
in a haul of gold from Colchis. In that country drift-gold was
collected on fleeces hung out in the mountain streams (Strabo, 11.
2. 19, p. 499). Since Jason was assigned to the second generation