9S 



holes struck any where through the bott<5iii and sides, wheiC- 

 ever the passing of a rope may be found necessary, or of any 

 use for confining the casks. 



The constant and general idea, that the utility of every Holes in th« 

 boat depends upon the tightness of her bottom, *^nd her j^^^^j ^^^^^^^ 

 completely resisting the admission of water, opposes itself tageous* 

 •trongly and almost irresistibly to the directly opposite 

 idea, that water freely admitted could do no injury; nay, so 

 strong is the received opinion, that it may be very difRcult 

 to persuade some, that large openings in the bottom would 

 prove a real advantage ; it is however undoubtedly true, that 

 in the present plan this would really be the case. 



It is therefore very material to observe, that neither the 

 number nor the size of the holes struck through is of any 

 consequence, as to the water in the boat ; on the contrary, 

 they would be so far from being detrimental, that, to a cer- 

 tain extent, they would be of advantage, as they would serve 

 to discharge, in proportion to the buoyancy contained, what- 

 ever top-water might be withinside, above the level without, 

 and which the boat would otherwise retain as a load and dead 

 weight, if she were every where perfectly tight: whereas, in 

 proportion as the buoyant power operated in raising her, the 

 top-water would instantly subside through the holes in the 

 bottom, and thereby render her more lively, and to swim 

 higher out of the water. 



From not attending sufficiently to the fact now stated, it 

 has probably happened, that the plan we are at present de- 

 scribing has never been attempted; but whoever will take 

 the trouble to consider the matter a little may soon be con- 

 vinced, that they may, without scruple or hesitation, make as 

 many holeSi and of whatever size, as they may judge neces*> 

 tary for passing ropes, wherever they can serve for efFectu- 

 filly securing the casks in their places. 



The only point chiefly to be attended to is never to attach The fastenings 

 ropes to any tender part of the boat, such as the gunwales or ^° 'j^ applied 

 thwarts, but to such parts as possess the greatest strength, est parts. 

 and in which entire confidence may be placed. 



As the largest boats have strong timbers, this plan might 

 probably succeed best if applied to launches and long-boats. 



Snaall anchors that have iron stocks, and which could be Ballast. 



laid 



