of Sh ips of the Line, 22 1 



space was not 6 feet* ; in the present 84 it is about 9 J feet, 

 and in the 120 about 10J feet. 



Having thus seen how the force indicates the least limits of 

 the simple dimensions of length and breadth, we have now to 

 observe that the depth in ships of the line is a fixed dimension 

 in comparison with the other two. Nevertheless, whilst the 

 minima of the former are directly dependent upon, and indicated 

 by the force, the minimum of the latter is likewise indirectly 

 affected by the same element ; for the space in the hold, which 

 involves all three dimensions, must be sufficient for the stowage 

 of the ballast, and the necessary quantity of water, provisions, 

 and stores of every description, all which are ultimately referrible 

 to the number and calibre of the ordnance. The greatest limit 

 of the depth is pointed out by the draught of water in our road- 

 steads and ports. 



As all the sailing qualities of a vessel are influenced in some 

 way or other by the three principal dimensions and their mu- 

 tual relations, we ought, after having determined on the force, to 

 consider in the next place in what way it may be made to bring 

 along with it an excellent ship. This naturally implies, that 

 such an adjustment must be made of the ordnance as shall pro- 

 duce those relations between the dimensions which have been 

 found conducive to the qualities essential to a ship-of-war, and 

 particularly the velocity, the non-attainment of which more 

 than counterbalances every other excellence. Instances are not 

 wanting, even in the history of modern naval architecture, of a 

 bad adjustment of the force being the ultimate cause of throw- 

 ing whole classes of ships into disuse, by producing badly pro- 

 portioned, slow sailing, and inefficient vessels. It is sufficient 

 to mention the abolition of the 80-gun ships, on three, and 

 64's, on two decks, in corroboration of our assertion. 



It must be confessed, that the connection between the prin- 

 cipal dimensions of a ship-of-war and its force, has rarely, if 

 ever, been understood, or duly appreciated in this country. 

 Indeed, so little consequence has been attached to it, that 

 even the ships composing the very recent experimental squad- 

 rons were ordered to be of a certain tonnage ; thus at once 



* This deduction is made with a gun 9£ feet long, the common length 

 for a 32-pounder. 



Q2 



