slalioncd at Landgtiard Fort. 417 



surely is a convincing proof that v/lmle-line is sufticiently 

 strong for the cable, and other purposes of the lile-boat in 

 question, the dimensions of which are nearly similar to a 

 whale-boat. 



The long parallel form of the vessel may be objectionable 

 in the eyes of a builder ; but it was given, not only because it 

 appeared to be a form well calculated as a sea-boat ; but also 

 from its allowing a sufficiency of space along the sides with in- 

 board for the stowage of the floating capacity. iMoreover, tlie 

 shape admitted oars of the same length of leverage through- 

 out, whereby all the crew are given the means of pulling with 

 the same strength, and the confusion avoided, which must 

 ever arise when a strange crew come into a boat, the oars of 

 which are adapted by their lengths to particular places. 



Where the present boat is to be stationed, slie may be 

 launched at most times with readiness ; but in such places 

 where difficulties are presented by a heavy surf heaving upon 

 the shore, a rope or chain, from an anchor in the offing, 

 should ever be in readiness to haul out the boat ; and if the 

 boat were slung beneath the axletree of two high wheels, such 

 as are used for the carriage of timber, with her bow lather ele- 

 vated, she may be run out beyond the surf, with all her crew 

 on board, and floated off" with much ease and safety by casting 

 off" the sling at the proper period. Such a carriage would 

 also be valuable to transport the vessel along the shore to a 

 more weatherly position for reachuig the wreck at sea. The 

 wheels for a carriage of the kind should be made not dishing 

 but upright, with a long nave, so that the mortice holes for 

 the spokes nuiy be cut^ not central, but alternately round 

 towards each end of the nave, as represented by fig. 9, which 

 is a section of such a wlieel. This structure would admit of 

 strength with lightness, which are objects of material momeiit. 



Wnen this design was suggested, the object in view was, to 

 form a small life-boat at a moderate cost, of good floating 

 capacity, and capable of carrying six or seven extra men in 

 safety, even when filled with water, and of so light a structure 

 as to be readily transported from one position to another — pos- 

 sessing also the very essential (jualities of a dry and good sea- 

 boat, of steering well, having the capability of being propelled 

 out to sea with facility either by oars or by can\ass, and of 

 taking the beach in safety on her return. It was nioreover 

 presumed, that were two light boats of the kind to be pre- 

 served at the same station, they would prove more efTective 

 than one of double the cost and magnitude ; for as yet it has 

 not been shown that a vessel of m.agnitiide is more equal to the 

 duties of a sea-boat than a smaller. For inslanre, where is 



Vol. 60. No, 290. 7>r. 1822. 3G thi' 



