26 



In order to ascertain what will be the best way to bring back the line to a vertical 

 position, the hrst thing to do is to find out, approximately where the lead is with respect to 

 the ship. From observing the deviation itself the influence of current and wind can be estimated; 

 this being ascertained the ship is moved towards that point taking in to account the influence 

 of the current and the wind. 



The more accurate the changes of position in the wiré are noted and corrected from 

 the very lirst, the simpler the manoeuvring required will be, to bring about the desired result. 



W'hcn the lead is beingf hauled in, care should be taken that it does not eraze ao-ainst 

 the ship's huil or bilge-keels. A slant in the line is than an advantage as it also reduces the 

 influence of the motion of the ship on the line. It is therefore preferable to steam ahead, 

 during this process, and if possible in the course to be ultimately foliowed. 



( )n this account the broadside position for sounding is not so suitable as it is not alwavs 

 possible to choose the most favourable course and the line runs a greater risk of fouling the 

 shïjj or propellors. 



With the machine stationed on the railing aft, any course can be steered and the line 

 runs more free from the outer pulley. 



If placed on the bridge, as on the Siboga, it is easier to keep watch over the position 

 of the line and the manouvring of the ship is consequently simpler. On account of the oreat 

 weight of the apparatus and the limited space available, it was placed as close as possible to the 

 ship's side. The bridgedeck was at that point fitted with supports. Where possible it is preferable 

 to leave some space at the front of the machine, this would greatly facilitate attendance to 

 the ballastscale. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDIXG THE SOUNDING MACHINE. 



The Le Blanc machine proved very satisfactory on the Siboga. Fractures of the line and 

 other casualties were comparatively few and to some extent due to insufficiënt training. 



It is absolutely necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the machine as the automatic 

 action cannot entirely be relied upon under all circumstances. 



On board of the Siboga there was only a brief description of the apparatus giving little 

 detailed information, so that the skillful handling had to be obtained entirely from careful practice. 



The defects of the machine, which no doubt could be remedied, are the followino- 



i . The adjusting friction gear revolves with the wiredrum-shaft. This is objectionable, 

 not only because an exact adjustment is difficult, but by the strong vibration there is a great 

 chance of it working loose. An arrangement in which the principle of adjustment was maintained, 

 but whereby the handwheel was at rest during the revolving of the shaft would not increase 

 the cosl very much, but be a great improvement. 



2. The single-cylinder engine should be replaced by a three-cylinder triplecrank engine, 

 properly balanced, so as to do away with the objectionable vibration. 



