From that period ocean-steamers began to run frequently across the Atlantic. They now do so regularly, as well as to nearly all other parts of the world. OCEAN MAIL-STEAMERS. The improvements which have taken place during recent years in ocean-going steamships have been great and rapid. The speed attained by some of these magnificent vessels is little short of marvellous. Many persons still living can recollect the time when the voyage to Australia in a sailing vessel lasted six months. What is now the state of matters? By more than one line of steamships the traveller may reach Sydney or Melbourne within forty days. A recent voyage of the _Orient_, one of the latest and finest additions to ocean steamships, merits more than a passing notice. The _Lusitania_, which belongs to the same line, steamed from England to Australia in less than forty days, and the feat was regarded as a great one. But the _Lusitania_ has been far outmatched by her sister-ship the _Orient_, which has actually accomplished the same voyage in thirty-five days, fifteen hours, and forty-six minutes. From Plymouth to the Cape of Good Hope took the _Orient_ only seventeen days twenty-one hours. This is the fastest speed on record. Whether it is the maximum rate possible to ocean steamships, or whether it is destined to be surpassed by a still higher degree of speed, remains to be seen. Many persons are of opinion that the increased facilities of speed which are now within reach of travellers on long voyages will gradually lead to the total disuse of sailing ships for passenger traffic. It may be so, but there are still not a few who would prefer a sailing to a steam ship for a long sea voyage, notwithstanding its so greatly inferior rate of speed. But nowadays everything must be sacrificed to _time_. "Time flies," is at present the motto of most instant and potent power with the world; but the day is perhaps not far off when the fiat, "Thus far, and no farther," must be pronounced not only on the speed of steamships, but on the breathless rush and hurry of the age in general. THE CZAR'S YACHT "LIVADIA." Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable craft afloat is the Russian Czar's steam-yacht the _Livadia_. To a Scotch shipbuilding firm belongs the credit of having constructed this unique and splendid vessel, and it is certainly a feather in the cap of Messrs. Elder and Company, the well-known Glasgow shipbuilders, from whose yard the _Livadia_ was launched in July 1880.