SHIP^S LIFEBOAT* 97^ 



•nd verify all that 1 have stated ; and unless the one or the 

 other, or both, (that is, the power of casks, and expertnes« 

 of seamen) can be shown to be false assumptions, the con- 

 clusions which 1 have drawn can neither be denied nor re* 

 sisted. 



Observations and Remarks relative to the foregoing 

 Plans. 



1. — From the detail in the description it may be alleged, Observation*, 

 that the situation would not admit of so much time as the Time, 

 preparation would require. * 



It is granted, that in some cases this might be true, if 

 nothing had been done before-hand; but surely such neglect 

 ought by no means to be imputed as any defect in the plan, 

 but ought to be ascribed to its true cause, the remissness of 

 those who would give themselves no trouble to avail them- 

 selves df it. 



Slings fitted to the casks, two additional ring bolts, two 

 auger bores, and the requisite quantity of cork, are all 

 things so trivial and so easy to be provided, that to be with- 

 out them must appear an unpardonable neglect ; and, if 

 these were in readiness, the short space of ten minutes would 

 be quite sufficient for laying them in their places, -and s«J* 

 curing them. 



It is evident to demonstration, or it might be easily proved 

 by experiment, with respect to the first two methods stated, 

 and where the necessary provisions had been made, that the 

 whole could be executed in ten minutes, and therefore any 

 objection in point of time can have no place. 



2. — When there is a prospect of the ship holding toge^ The boat mar 

 ther for some time, the boat may be kept in readiness and be serTed on 

 in reserve, or may be served on shore by a rope, and hauled ^^'d't^^ti^^ff 

 off again, as often as occasion may require; and if to be again, 

 hauled off, it might be a necessary precaution to pass a rope 

 round her lengthways to assist the ring bolt in the bow, and 

 in every case the attachment and connection of the boat 

 with the vessel ought to be well secured till the znomentsthc 

 js to be cast off for the shore. ^ r 



Voi.,XXlX— June. ISIK H 3.— It 



