Oti Mr. GreatheaiVs Life-Boat. ^j^J 



meter, with a moveable arched axis, and a pole fixed thereto 

 for a lever, have been condrinSed. The boat is fufpended 

 near her centre between the wheels under the axis, toward 

 each extreniitv of which is an iron pin with a chain attached. 

 When the pole is elevated perpendicularly, the upper part of 

 the axis becomes deprelVed, aivd the chains being hooked to 

 eye-bolts on the iidide of the boat, Ihe is raifed with the ut- 

 n)o(l facility by means of the pole, which is then falicued 

 down to the tleni of the boat. 



The Scarborough boat is under the dire«£lion of a commit- 

 tee. Twentv-four filhermen, compoling two crews'', are 

 alternately emploved to navigate her. A reward, in cafes of 

 (liipwreck, is paid by the committee to each man a6hiallv 

 engaged in the affiltance; and it is expcfted that the velfel 

 receiving afliftance (honld contribute to defray this expenfe. 

 None have hitherto refui'ed. 



It is ot' importance that the command of the boat fliould 

 be intruded to fomc Ileadv, experienced pcrfon, who is ac- 

 quainted witli the direction of the tides or currents, as much 

 Ikill may be required in riling them to the mo(t advantage in 

 going to a t1iip in diflrefs. It fliould alio be recommended, 

 to keep the head of" the boat to the fea as much as circuni- 

 ftances will admit ; and to give her an accelerated velocity 

 to meet the wave. Much caution is neceffary in approach- 

 ing a w^reck, on account of the flrong reflux of the waves, 

 which is fometimcs attended with great danger. In a ge- 

 neral way, it is fafeft to go on the Ice quarter"; but this de- 

 pends upon the pofition of the vefTel ; and the mafterofthe 

 boat fliould exercife hisfkill in placing her in the moft con- 

 venient fituation. The boatmen fliould praclif'e themfelvcs 

 in the nfe of the boat, that they may be the l)etter acquainted 

 w ith her niovenienls ; and they fhould at all times be ffrid;ly 

 obedient to the directions of the perfon who is appointed 

 to the command. 



'fhe great ingenuity which has been difplavcd in the con- 

 flrtK^lion of tlie life-boat, leaves fcarcely any room for ini* 

 provement; but fon)c have fuppofed that a boat of twcnlv- 

 fivc feet in length, with a proportionate breadth, would an- 

 fwcr every purpol'e of a larger one. A boat of iliefe dimen- 

 fions would certainly be lighter, and lefs expenfive ; but whe- 

 ther flic would be equally fife and fleady in a high fea \ 

 cannot take upon mylclf to determine. 



Mr. Grcathcad, of S<Mith Shields, the inventor, under- 



• Two crews arc appointed, that tlitre may be a fufficicnt number 

 icady in cal't of any abl'tuti;. 



takes 



