With these preliminary observations, it is proposed to consider the details of a plan for the more extended conveyance of mails by steam-boats, first to the WESTERN WORLD, under the separate heads into which such a plan, necessarily and properly divides itself. In doing this, it will satisfactorily appear that the more the plan is extended, the less in proportion will the expenses attending the same be, and the greater the returns be therefrom. I. (p. 012) _Falmouth and Madeira, or one of the Western Islands, Department._ Either of the islands just named may be made central points of the greatest importance for connecting the mail communications between Great Britain and all the Western World. The Western Islands, however, become a central point, more direct and convenient than Madeira, for all the outward and homeward West Indian packets, and still more so for all those which may be bound for New York and British North America. In short, the packets for neither of the latter places could go or come by Madeira without great inconvenience and loss of time; whereas, neither would take place if Fayal is made the point of arrival at and departure from. The latter island is directly in the course of both the West Indian and homeward-bound South American packets; and it may be said with equal accuracy, in the outward direct course of these packets also. Although a little further removed into the variable winds than Madeira, still it is well known that Fayal once made, the greatest difficulties in the voyages of the outward-bound packets are overcome. The distance, also, from Falmouth to either of these islands is not materially different: from Falmouth to Madeira direct, is 1170 geographical miles; and from Falmouth to Fayal direct, 1230 miles. In the outward voyage Fayal is 300 miles nearer Barbadoes than Madeira; and in the homeward, from Cape Nichola Mole, 300 also. The distance between Madeira and Rio de Janeiro, and between the latter and Fayal, is not greatly different, being (taking in Bahia and Pernambuco) for the latter 3900 miles, and for the former 3800; but from the course which the homeward packet must take through the trades, the distance to Madeira, as compared with the distance (p. 013) and course to Fayal, would be increased by 250 miles. On the whole, considering the advantages and disadvantages to arise from making either of these islands, viz., Madeira and Fayal, the central points, it would appear that the balance would considerably incline to be in favour of any one of the central Azores, say Falmouth and Terceira or Fayal. Fayal being taken as the central point to which and from which the packets for the western world are to converge and to diverge, the arrangements will run as follow:--