a people of Central Italy, inhabited a narrow strip of land extending along the banks of the River Arturnus (Pescara), from the Adriatic to the Apennines, and bounded on the S. by the territory of the Frentani. Their country, on account of its eastern exposure, was more fertile than the neighbouring districts. Teate (Chieti), situated on the Arturnus, was their most important city. The Marrucini were of Sabine origin. They were an independent people, although they almost invariably appear in history as allies of the neighbouring tribes of the Marsi and Peligni. Along with these they became confederates of the Romans in 304 B.C., and revolted at the commencement of the Social War. Their district was included in the Fourth Region of Augustus.

MARYAT, Frederick, Captain, R.N., C.B., and F.R.S., was born in London, on the 10th of January, 1792. He was the second son of Joseph Maryat, Esq. of Wimbledon House, Surrey, M.P. for Sandwich, a considerable West India merchant, and chairman of Lloyd's, who traced his descent from a family of French refugees. He was educated in London, and entered the navy in 1806 as midshipman on board the "Imperieuse," a frigate of 44 guns, commanded by Lord Cochrane, under whom he served till 18th October, 1809, taking gallant part in the daring exploits of that celebrated officer. During this time he was in nearly fifty engagements of more or less importance, in the Mediterranean and on the coast of France. Once, in boarding a vessel in the bay of Arcupoa, he was knocked down by the fall of the officer in command, close behind whom he was entering, trampled upon in the rush of his own party, and left for dead. In 1808 and 1809 he took part in the reduction of the castle of Mongat, the defence of the castle of Trinidad, and the attack on the French fleet in Basque Roads. For the gallantry and ability displayed in these dangerous services, he received honourable mention in Lord Cochrane's despatches. Four times he jumped overboard to rescue shipmates, on one of which occasions he narrowly escaped being devoured by a shark; and once his skill and intrepidity saved his ship. He was lieutenant in 1812, and appointed to "L'Espigle," in the West Indies, whence he removed, in January 1814, to the "Newcastle," 58 guns, Captain Lord George Stuart, which was despatched to the American coast, and cut out four vessels at New Orleans. In 1815 he acquired the rank of commander, had the "Beacon" sloop off St Helena, then the "Rosario," 18 guns, in which he brought home despatches announcing the death of Napoleon. After being some time employed in the preventive service, in which he effected thirteen seizures, he was appointed to the "Larme," 18 guns, in March 1823, and sailed to the East Indies, where, till 1825, he was fully employed as senior officer of the naval forces. He led the attack on Rangoon in 1824, and was twice thanked by the governor-general of India for his services in the Burmese war. He was also warmly recommended by Sir Archibald Campbell, the commander-in-chief, from whom he received three letters of thanks. In February 1825 he accompanied Sir Robert Sale in the successful expedition to reduce the territory of Bassecin, and returning in April, was promoted to the command of the "Tees," which he brought home to England. In June 1825 he received the decoration of C.B., and a medal from the Humane Society for saving so many lives. From November 1828 to November 1830, he commanded the "Ariadne" in the Channel service. It was at this time, in 1829, that he began his literary career; encouraged by the reception of his "Frank Midway," he produced in rapid succession his well-known novels,—The King's Own, Peter Simple, Jacob Faithful, Japhet in Search of a Father, Newton Forster, Midshipman Easy, The Pasha of many Tales, The Poacher, The Phantom Ship, Scally Woe, Ollie Podrida, Poor Jack, Masterman Ready, Percival Keene, Monsieur Violet, Settlers in Canada, The Mission, The Pricetatersman, Valérie. The most of these are sea-novels, of very unequal merit, but all lively, and abounding in adventure. His descriptions of any other life than life on board ship, and any other characters than sailors, are not brilliant nor accurate, though always lively and spirited; but in his own walk he is unrivalled, and in this his best works are perhaps Peter Simple and Poor Jack. His Code of Signals for the use of Vessels employed in the Merchant Service, published in 1837, was adopted by our government, and is now in general use by our own and foreign navies. For this service he twice received the thanks of the Shipowners' Society; and the work being translated into French in 1840, and adopted, he received from Louis Philippe the gold cross of the Legion of Honour. His Diary in America, published in 1839, in two series of three volumes each, is an amusing and clever production, written, however, with little aim beyond amusement, and full of satirical exaggeration. It gave great offence in the United States. He died on the 2d of August 1848, at Langham in Norfolk, after having for a year or two been obliged to desist from all literary and professional exertion by the bursting of several blood-vessels. By his marriage with Catharine, daughter of Sir Stephen Shairp, formerly chargé d'affaires at St Petersburg, he had six children. His eldest son, a lieutenant in the navy, perished in 1847 in the "Avenger" steamer, on the coast of Africa.