332 On the Curvelinear Horm of the Sterns of Ships. 
this opinion be ‘granted, the circular sterns are, in a high degree, 
beautiful. | 
The only apparent difference in size in the Captain’s cabin 
and ward-room is the difference between the overhanging of the 
old and new sterns; and this is not real, if the area be con- 
sidered, for the transoms, and their securities, occupied a con- 
siderable space. It must be allowed that at present there are 
less stern windows, but there is still a sufficiency of light and 
air from those now placed in the stern, as well as from the 
ports and sky-lights. By the removal of timbers called 
sleepers, the internal accommodations for the reception of 
bread is augmented; for the bread-room in a 74 gun ship has 
313 cubic feet more of space than in one with the old stern. 
The present method of building ships’ sterns has gone too 
far to be shaken by prejudice, or discontinued in consequence 
of the cavils of those who consider that every thing is to be 
sacrificed to appearance, or what they vainly imagine personal 
comforts ; and we find that the other naval powers with whom, 
at no very distant period, we may have to contend, have justly 
appreciated the’ plan. The Dutch have altogether adopted 
this, as well as the other inventions of Sir Robert Seppings. 
The Americans are now building ships with circular sterns. 
And the French have either been persuaded into the system by 
the force of eloquence used by their most elegant and acute 
writer on naval affairs (Charles Dupin,) or driven into it by the 
‘strain of irony with which he has treated the tardiness of the 
government in adopting what he considers a most important 
jmprovement. In consequence of this, French ships have been 
‘built with circular sterns, and they have a frigate of the largest 
.class with such a stern, now employed in South America. 
Dear bought experience having taught us how dangerous it 
is to hold an enemy too cheap, or to combat upon unequal 
terms, establishes the practice, and stamps the necessity of 
constructing our ships according to that method which. shall 
unite safety with the greatest force that can be brought to bear, 
in any point, upon the ships of the enemy. 
aussitot que aspect de sa force commandera Je respect dans l’ame de 
Vennemi.” Force navale dela Grande—Brelagne, par CHARLES Dupin. « 
