190 Desaiplion of the Moori/ig Blocks 



on applying a strain it has a tendency, arising from its form, to 

 biirv itself more and more under the surface until it becomes 

 fixed ; it is likewise free from liability to be houked by ships' an- 

 chors, and the moorings thereby rendered insecure; which has 

 been the case hitherto, as represented in my letter to the Board 

 above quoted, 



I now beg leave to notice the Mooring Blocks in an economi- 

 cal point of view. 



Tiie largest blocks, adapted for first-rates' moorings, are now 

 supplied for less than half the sum required to provide and fix 

 whf.t is termed a claw, and about a quarter of the cost of a moor- 

 ing anchor. 



It must also be considered that both the anchor and claw 

 would require to be replaced in the course of forty or fifty years, 

 (sup])osing them to remain undisturbed,) besides which the claw 

 would require frequent repair from the effect of the worm during 

 that period. 



On the blocks already laid down at this port (altliough prin- 

 cipally as substitutes for claws) there arises a saving to the public 

 of upwards of 3,000i. ; and where it may be necessary to lay 

 them down instead of anchors, the saving will be infinitely 

 greater. 



It may not be amiss to mention, that an opinion prevailed that 

 the block invented by me was only an in.iprovensent on one in- 

 vented by Mr. Hemmans of Chatham Dock-yard some years ago ; 

 but on an examination of the two by a Committee of the Navy 

 Board, the same was clearly proved to be erroneous: the Report 

 to the Admiralty on that subject, and recommending the general 

 adoption of my block, was as follows, viz. : 



" The Committee has further to remark, that Mr. Park's 

 Block cannot be considered as an improvement on the plan of 

 Mr. Hemmans, being totally dissimilar ; but altogether as a new 

 invention, and having the same object in view." 



As a model and drawing of the block are forwarded, I decline 

 giving any written description of it here ; but should the Society 

 require further particulars, I shall have much pleasure in fur- 

 nishing them. 



I have only now to observe, that having been influenced by a 

 strong sense of public duty, and an ardent desire to be useful to 

 my country by overcoming the serious evils set forth in my nar- 

 rative, I trust it will not be considered too presuming to request 

 as a mark of your approbation that you will be pleased to give my 

 invention publicity. I am, Gentlemen, &c. 



j1. Aikin, Esq'. J. Park. 



Secretary, &c. 



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