Mediterranean Sea
a large and important inland sea, bounded on the N. by Europe, on the E. by Asia, on the S. by Africa, and communicating at its W. extremity by the Straits of Gibraltar with the N. Atlantic Ocean, and at its N. E. extremity, by the Dardanelles and Bosporus, with the Black or Euxine Sea; extending from lat. 30° to nearly 46° N., and from lon. 5° 54' W. to 36° 8' E.; extending from lat. 30° to nearly 46° N., greatest length, 2,300 miles; greatest 1,200 miles; area, est. 690,000 square shape, especially on the N., where the miles. It is of an oblong, but irregular large peninsulas of Italy and Greece project S. The coast of the Mediterranean is as remarkable for the difference of altitude as for variety of outline. In the N., with the exception of Italy, it is bold and rugged. On the E. and S. the coun- N., with the exception of Italy, it is bold and rugged. On the E. and S. the counwith rocky reefs and shoals projecting render the navigation near these shores 5 to 7 miles from the shore, and which MEDJIDIE both difficult and dangerous; and in this respect the S. side presents a striking contrast to the N., where, generally speaking, deep soundings may be had close to the shore; while in parts, particularly between Nice and Genoa and near Gibraltar, no soundings can be found under 1,000 fathoms and upward.
The temperature averages from 72° to 76°, or 3½° F. higher than that of the Atlantic Ocean. The principal rivers the Ebro, Rhone, Po, and Nile. The Mediterranean was long considered tideless, but this is untrue, as in the Adriatic, as well as between that sea and the coast of Africa, the tide rises from 5 to 7 feet. The prevalent winds vary during the spring between S. E. and S. W.; at other times from N. W. to N. E. The which flow into the Mediterranean are most formidable of these winds is the sirocco, or solano, which is very destructive. Water spouts are of frequent occurrence, especially along the coast of Asia Minor. Several springs of fresh water rise in different parts of the Mediterranean; the largest being in the port of Tarento, near the mouth of the Galesus, where the fresh water ascends with such impetuosity and in such a volume that it may be taken up at the surface without the least impregnation of salt.
MEDJIDIE (me-jē'dē), a Turkish a order of knighthood, instituted in 1852.
It has been conferred on numerous foreign officers, soldiers, and seamen, who have taken part in wars on behalf of Turkey. Also a Turkish coin, value about $4.50 (gold); silver, about 80c.