annals of the ancient Britons, though very limited with regard to their shipping and maritime commerce, have been so often thoroughly investigated that little remains to be done beyond collecting the leading facts which antiquarian industry has preserved, and endeavouring to re-produce them in a manner as pleasing and instructive as possible.
its maritime position,
and limited extent of over-sea trade.
The vessels of the ancient Britons,
Separated from the rest of Europe by a sea, which
in winter is very boisterous, and in summer often
disturbed by currents and uncertain winds; surrounded
by a coast full of danger, and with the
channels to its principal havens interspersed with
treacherous sand-banks, the ancient Britons must
have been an adventurous race to launch their frail
barks, for even a limited voyage, on waters so often
disturbed by storm and tempest. Their trade, moreover,
during the early periods of their history, was
very inconsiderable, notwithstanding the convenient
situation of their island for carrying on an extensive
commerce; and the greater number of their vessels
were of the rudest description. Cæsar speaks of
them as being, even in his time, of the slightest
construction, with the keels and ribs framed of some
light wood and covered with leather; and Lucan[1]
says "they were constructed of osiers, twisted and interwoven
with each other, and then covered with
strong hides." In such vessels as these the Britons
worked their way along their iron-bound and tempest-tossed
shores, and frequently made the passage to
Ireland and the coasts of Gaul. From the fact,
however, that they carried on a trade, though limited,
- ↑ Lucan, Phars. iv. cf. Fest. Avienus, "Ora Maritima," v. 80-130, and Plin. iv. c. 16.
