THE "FRAM" 361 



forming, so to speak, a double stern-post, and the space between 

 them forms a well, which goes right up through the top deck. 

 The rudder-post is placed in the middle of this well, and divides 

 it into two parts, one for the propeller and one for the rudder. 

 In this way it is possible to lift both the rudder and the screw out 

 of the water. The rudder is so hung that the rudder-stock, which 

 is cylindrical, turns on its own axis, to prevent the rudder being 

 jammed if the well should be filled with ice. Aft of the rudder- 

 well the space between the stern-timbers is filled with solid wood, 

 and the whole is securely bolted together with bolts running 

 athwart-ship. The frame-timbers join the stern-timbers in this 

 part, and are fastened to them by means of knees. The stem and 

 stern-post are connected to the keelson and to the keel by stout 

 knees of timber, and both the ship's sides are bound together with 

 solid breasthooks and crutches of wood or iron. 



Although the Fram, was not specially built for ramming, it was 

 probable that now and then she would be obliged to force her way 

 through the ice. Her bow and stern were therefore shod in the 

 usual way. On the forward side of the stem a segment-shaped 

 iron was bolted from the bobstay-bolt to some way under the keel. 

 Outside this iron plates (3 x ^ inches) were fastened over the 

 stem, and for 6 feet on each side of it. These iron plates were 

 placed close together, and thus formed a continuous armour- 

 plating to a couple of feet from the keel. The sharp edge of the 

 stern was protected in the same way, and the lower sides of the 

 well were lined with thick iron plates. The rudder-post, which 

 owing to its exposed position may be said to form the Achilles' 

 heel of the ship, was strengthened with three heavy pieces of iron, 

 one in the opening for the screw and one on each side of the two 

 posts and the keel, and bolted together with bolts running athwart- 

 ship. 



Extraordinary precautions were taken for strengthening the 

 ship's sides, which were particularly exposed to destruction by ice- 

 pressure, and which, on account of their form, compose the weakest 



VOL. II. 49 



