16 



than 10,000 miles ; and to Australia by about 1,000 miles 

 in 13,000. 



The increase in average speed may be shown thus : — The 

 Cunard steamers in 1840 averaged 8 to 9 knots; ten years later 

 they had reached 10 knots; in 1860 their fastest ship averaged 

 12 knots ; in 1870 about 13 knots. Their new ship, the " Servia," 

 will probably average about 16 knots, and projects have been formed 

 for vessels capable of steaming 18 knots. On the Australian voyage 

 the "Orient" has recently steamed ovfr 12.000 knots, at an average 

 speed of 14 knots per hour. A similar increase in speed has been 

 effected in war-ships of all classes. 



The extraordinary results attained with the small craft used as 

 torpedo-boats were then alluded to. Some of these boats, only 

 80 to 90ft. long, steam from 20 to 22 knots an hour, and the 

 necessary power is obtained with a very small weight of machinery, 

 by skilful mechanical arrangements. Such facts should suggest the 

 question : — Cannot something be done to increase the ratio of power 

 to weight in engines of larger power than those canied in torpedo- 

 boats ? 



Returning to larger ships, the Lecturer pointed out that a great 

 increase in price of coal consumption must be paid for a small 

 increase in speed, when the speed is already high. This considera- 

 tion has necessitated the adoption of larger dimensions in the swifter 

 vessels, in order to make them remunerative. Both of these facts 

 were fully illustrated by reference to examples. 



A comparison was then made between war-ships and merchant- 

 ships, showing that while war-ships require more power and conse- 

 quently more coal for a given weight, than merchant-ships, they are 

 able to carry only a comparatively small supply, on account of the 

 weight of armour, armament, &c., and are therefore able only to 

 steam over moderate distances. 



In conclusion, some remarks were made on the possibilities of 

 the future : — 



1. Further economies in fuel are possible, if steam of higher 

 pressures can be successfully employed. On a small scale 

 remarkable results have already been attained in this 

 direction. Whether the results claimed can be achieved 



