192 On the Stability of Vessels. [Marcu, 
prevents their oversetting, when so light that the angle of the 
bottom, by the power of the sail, rises above the surface of the 
water. It is not perhaps generally known that a mere increase of 
length diminishes the resistance of the fluid. The subjoined table 
contains the resistance of a globe 13°54 inches in diameter; and 
the resistance to the same sphere when cut in halves, and length- 
ened by the introduction of a cylinder whose length was the same 
as the globe’s diameter :— 
Feet per second ........2..- EG a 2 3 4 5 6 T 
Resistance to globe in Ibs. ...... 0-40 | 1:56 | 3:45 | 6-03 | 9-98 | 13-21 | 17-77 
Ditto globe lengthened in Ibs,,...| 0°17 | 0°82 | 1°99 | 3°T1 | G00 | 8°87 | 12:34 
Feet per second .....,.,.-,- 8 9 10 Il 12 13) 14 
Resistance to globe in ]bs..... | 22°98 | 28°80 | 35°25 | 42°31 | 49°98 |58:26}67°15 
Ditto globe lengthened in Ibs, | 16°40 | 21:07 | 26°36 | 32°25 | 38°82 |46°08|54-01 
Feet per second ....... aeaas: 15 16 17 18 19 20 
Resistance to globe in lbs..,... 76°65 | 86°74 | 97°42 | 108-69 | 120°56 | 133-01 
Ditto globe lengthened in Ibs. . .| 62°61 | 71°89 | 81°85 | 92°51 | 103-87 | 115°93 
This experiment shows the advantage of length; and perhaps 
because the water by striking the bow or fore part is put into eddies 
and whirls, to which the additional length gives time to subside 
before the fluid closes in behind. I took some pains to inquire into 
the character (if I may use the expression) of a very long ship, 
called L’Invention. This vessel measured on the beam, or broadest 
part, 27 feet 6 inches ; and on the lower deck 135 feet 5 inches. 
Capt. Padrift, the Commander, whose professional abilities are held in 
yreat estimation, spoke so highly of this ship’s good qualities, that 
Tam confirmed in the opinion of the advantage of length. In the 
first place, the stability is increased, provided the centre of gravity 
is not raised; and, secondly, the length gives an opportunity of 
spreading greater extent of canvass low down, which is tantamount 
to an increase of stability, because taunt masts have more effect to 
overset, and press the head downwards, than to increase the 
velocity; thirdly, the vessel sails more smoothly in agitated water, 
and steers better. I am more convinced of the advantages to be 
derived by building vessels of greater length than is now the prac- 
tice from the construction of a vessel under the direction of Earl 
Stanhope, who is so justly celebrated for his nautical and mecha- 
nical knowledge. The sailing of a vessel depends also on the shape 
of the stem, which (see Fig. 24), if it be upright, and the bow 
shaped like a wedge, and the angle of incidence between 9° or 10°, 
it is evident will divide the fluid laterally, part going to the right, 
