]82 On Sieam- Boats. 



phlets, Ijooks, &c. for the amusement of the passengers, and such 

 refreshments as are desirable on so short a voyage, a distance of 

 about 26 miles by Avater, and 24 by land. 



The voyage betwixt Glasgow and Greenock, including stop- 

 pages at intermediate places, is commonlv accomplished in from 

 three to four hours, the vessels taking advantage of the tide as 

 far as circumstances will permit : but as thev start at different 

 hours from the same place, they are sometimes obliged to go 

 part o;- nearlv the whole of their voyage against the tide. 



Ihi voyage has been accomplished in 2\ hours ; the tide being 

 favourable, but against a moderate breeze of contrarv wind*. 



At first, owing to the novelty and apparent danger of the con- 

 veyance, the number of passengers was so very small tbat the 

 only steam-boat then on the river could hardly clear her ex- 

 penses : but the degree of success w^hich attended that attempt 

 soon commanded public confidence. The number of passengers 

 vhich now go in those boats may seem incredible to those who 

 have not witnessed it. Travelling by land has not only been 

 nearly superseded, but the communication very greatly increased, 

 owing to the cheapness and facility of the conveyance. Many 

 days, in fine weather, from 500 to 600 have gone from Glasgow 

 tn Port-Glasgow and Greenock, and returned in the same day. 

 One of the boats alone has been known to carry 247 at one 

 time. The increase of travelling in consequence of navigation 

 by steam, may be estimated by the nmnber that went in the com- 

 mon passage boats before the introduction of this agent : at that 

 time, the highest estimate even for summer did not much exceed 

 .50 up and 50 down, and those generally of the lower class of 

 the people'. The number that tben went by coaciies may be 

 thus estimated : four coaches up and four down, which might 

 average six passengers each. 



In the summer, the pleasure of the voyage and the beautv of 

 the scenery attract multitudes ; and the bathing-places below 

 Greenock have, in consequence of the easy passage, been crowded 

 beyond former example. 



The scenery near Glasgow is sylvan and beautiful, but be- 

 comes bolder and more picturesque as the river descends, until it 

 terminate in the rugged mountains of the west Highlands. 



Robertson Buchanan. 



General Description. 



A variety of modes of propelling steam-boats by the power of 

 steam-engines have been projected, and many of them tried : but 



* The tiroe wliicii was allowed to tlie Mail coach to go between those 

 towns was 3^ hours, but owing to extraordinary exertion some of die 

 coaches now run tbat distance in about 2| hours, 



those 



