274 MODERN INVENTIONS. 



to fix on some mode of propulsion. The cumbrous, noisy, spray-dash- 

 ing, wave-raising, wallowing paddle-wheel, we at once discard, and 

 will substitute 



PERKINS' OBLIQUE WHEEL, and STEVENS' PADDLES, and, laudably, 

 give them a chance of fair competition. Perkins' wheel is a very inge- 

 nious contrivance for causing the paddle-boards, or fans, to enter and 

 leave the water edgewise, and only to apply their surfaces fully or flatly 

 against the fluid when they have arrived at a vertical position, or, in 

 other words, are passing a line which we may imagine to be drawn 

 perpendicularly down from the axis of the wheel. To effect this, the 

 wheel is constructed on the principle of the fan of the smoke-jack, or 

 like a common ventilator j only that each section is turned so as to 

 approach a little nearer to a parallel with the shaft or pivot ; and instead 

 of the shaft being caused to work, at right angles from the side of the 

 vessel, and in a direct line with the engine shaft by which it is made to 

 revolve, it is placed obliquely, with an inclination towards the head of 

 the vessel. 



Stevens' paddles are a simple mechanical imitation of the manner in 

 which an Indian propels his canoe. Three of these paddles are placed 

 abreast, on the side of the vessel, occupying about the same space that 

 would be required for the common wheel ; and they have these novelties 

 in their operation that, although following each other rapidly and 

 regularly in the water, they work in separate paths ; make a longer and 

 deeper stroke than can be attained by the float-boards on a wheel of 

 much greater comparative size; afford the facility of being immersed 

 and drawn out at any angles that may best agree with the speed of the 

 vessel ; cause no tremulous motion ; make no disturbance or agitation of 

 the water ; and may be easily unshipped and replaced. 



We attach these inventions to our engine shaft, on opposite sides of 

 the vessel ; and if we should happen to find that the power afforded to 

 us by the engines is better applied in the propulsion of the vessel by one 

 mode than by the other, we will make up the difference to the weaker 

 party, by giving a corresponding advantage in steering. 



The fire is lit, the steam is up, we are all smiling, in joyous anticipa- 

 tion of a pleasant, merry trip ; and our gaily- freighted barque, herself, 

 seemingly instinct with life, and unable to restrain the vapoury breath- 

 ings of her leviathan lungs, appears to evince a corresponding anxiety 

 to be released from her bonds, and away ! " Ready !" is the word the 

 moorings are cast off in an instant, and like a meet and willing messenger 

 from the fire-king to some favourite sylphid of the deep, sweeping on 

 in the consciousness of power in the fulness of pride she bears us 

 rapidly along ; whilst our sentimental commander is pacing the deck, 

 and humming, almost unheard, this appropriate effort of his muse : 



Swift o'er the foaming sea 



Our gallant vessel glides, 

 While the sportive waves rush wantonly 



To kiss her reeking sides. 



But still she hurries on, 



Nor ocean's ripple heeds ; 

 So beauty, when love's faith is gone, 



From fawning falsehood speeds. 



But we must not forget the object of her voyage : walk forward, then, 

 and let us examine 



