i8 9 6. A ROWING INDICATOR. 185 



author hopes at some future time to carry out at least some of them. 

 The indicator could, for instance, be left working for a long time, and 

 so indicate every stroke of a " course." The result would be a thick 

 line formed by the mingling of all the stroke-diagrams. This would 

 afford an accurate measure of the mean power over the course. 

 A modification of the indicator has been roughly designed in which 

 each stroke could be indicated separately on a tape. Unfortunately, 

 the increased complexity of the machine and the time required to 

 measure some 300 strokes would seriously diminish its utility. 

 Another series of experiments which the author is anxious to try, is 

 to compare the stroke-forms of the same individual in different boats. 

 It is quite possible that whereas, for instance, no. 13 has what may 

 be called a false beginning in a heavy tub-pair, he might in a light 

 ship have a better stroke-form than no. 11, who, even in a heavy 

 boat, has a slow beginning and finish. 



An extensive series of experiments with the indicator might 

 throw light on the very difficult question of the best proportions of 

 oars ; whether a fast stroke with oars having large handle leverage, 

 or a slower rate with less leverage, is most efficient. That experience 

 has not finally settled such questions is shown by the great differences 

 in style between English and American rowing. 



Such are some of the results and problems arising out of a first 

 trial of the rowing indicator. Sufficient has been done to justify the 

 author in the hope that his instrument is a step in the direction of 

 the scientific study of rowing. 



E. Cuthbert Atkinson. 



