As to the number of troops put on board there is considerable divergence among the authorities. I find that some state it to have amounted to io,ooo infantry and 2200 cavalry; others give i6,ooo infantry and i 6oo cavalry;others again double this estimate and put the total of infantry and cavalry at 35,000 men. Some writers give no definite number, and in a matter so uncertain I prefer to include myself amongst them: Coelius declines.it is true, to zive any definite number, but he exaggerates to such an extent as to give the impression of a countless multitude;the very birds, he says, fell to the ground stunned by the shouting of the soldiers, and such a mighty host embarked that it seemed as though there was not a single man left in either Italy or Sicily. To avoid confusion Scipio personally superintended the embarkation. C. Laelius who was in command of the fleet·had previously sent all the seamen to their posts and kept them there while the soldiers went on board. The praetor, M. Pomponius, was responsible for the shipping of the stores;fortyfive days' provisions, including fifteen days' supply of cooked food, were put on board. When all were now on board, boats were sent round to take off the pilots and captains and two men from each ship who were to assemble in the forum ' 4 and receive their orders. When all were present, his first enquiry was as to the supply of water for the men and horses, whether they had put on board sufficient to last as long as the corn. They assured him that there was water in the ships sufficient to last for forty-five days. He then impressed upon the soldiers the necessity of keeping quiet and maintaining discipline and not interfering with the sailors in the discharge of their duties. He further informed them that he and Lucius Scipio would command the right division of twenty ships of war, whilst C. Laelius, prefect 飞‘J了1 I M conjunction with M. Porcius Cato, who was the tune would be in charge of the left line con- same number, would protect the transports. The warships would show 5‘。 Unlh 划ge d几尸‘- e lights at night, the transports would have two, while commander's ship would be distinguished by three lights. He gave the pilots instructions to make for Emporia.1b This was an extremely fertile district, and supplies of all kinds were to be found there in abundance. The natives, as usually happens in a fruitful country, were unwarlike, and would probably be before assistance could reach them from Carthage. ese orders he dismissed them to their ships.and at the given signal they were, with the blessing t sail.