206 Mr. Newton on Timber-measuring. 



quarter girts are given. The gauge point to which the length 

 is to be set, instead of IS'S^, will be 10'635. In fact, this 

 sliding rule is adapted to many other uses, as to find the true 

 content of octagonal, hexagonal, &c. timber, &c. 



It is plain, from the above, that, were it necessary, tables 

 could easily be constructed for every purpose to which sliding 

 rules are applied. 



In conclusion : I think I have shown, that the recognising 

 Mr. G.'s " precepts" by act of parliament, and his " pledge," 

 which, perhaps, he would find impossible to redeem, are alike 

 unnecessary. I am, gentlemen. 



Your most obedient servant, 

 Portland-place, Hull, Feb. 25, 1823. Wm. WiSEMAN. 



We have also received from Mr. Paul Newton a letter re- 

 specting Mr. Gutteridge's proposed plan for the measurement 

 of timber. He observes, that by this plan " a national advan- 

 tage is doubtless intended to be held out to us in our maritime 

 capacity ! Mr. G.'s plan is professedly m favour of the grower. 

 Now is not this grower very frequently a Dane, a Norwegian, 

 an American, &c. ; and is not Mr. G. zealous to eiihance the 

 price of that commodity (timber) for the benefit of the pur- 

 chaser — the British ? The expense of shipping would be 

 greatly augmented on Mr. G's plan. 



" If our shipping be worth 30 millions, according to our pre- 

 sent mode of measuring and our present price of timber, &c. 

 this ' improved method' would compel us (cordage and other 

 articles in proportionate advance) to pa}' at least 36 millions for 

 our wooden walls. Six extra millions would consequently issue 

 from the Treasury and the purses of our merchants; three 

 millions of which would, on a moderate computation, pass into 

 the hands of Danes, Norwegians, and Americans. Thus Bri- 

 tons would lose three millions, in the single article of shipping, 

 from a regard to a foreign grower. If it be true, that Great 

 Britain and Ireland own at present about 12,000 merchant- 

 vessels, and employ annually upwards of 4000 foreign vessels, 

 we may reasonably conclude that, in a few years, from the 

 adoption of Mr. G.'s method, these numbei's, as well as the na- 

 ture of our intercourse with foreign nations, would be reversed ; 

 and I fear we should in that case transfer those useful parti- 

 tions, the wooden walls, to our neighbours." 



Newark, Jan. 6, 1823. 



iVo/c— Probably, whatever system of measuring prevails, the price will 

 adapt itself to it. — Edit. 



