AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 39 



of Southampton Row, vulcanized springs which we feel satisfied would an- 

 swer perfectly. We think, with these additions and alterations, the appa- 

 ratus would be greatly improved, and might be confidently expected to 

 answer its intended purpose. 



We now beg to offer some observations on matters which, although of 

 comparatively minor importance, ought, in our opinion, to be attended to, 

 in order to insure as far as may be practicable the success of an undertak- 

 ing so novel, great and difiicult. 



Correct instruments should be provided for indicating the speed of the 

 ship and the distance run, as well as the rate at which the cable may be 

 running out, and the whole quantity expended. By means of these instru- 

 ments and the adjustment of the paying out apparatus, the rate of the cable 

 above that part of the ship may, we think, be regulated with considerable 

 exactness, and the excess, we venture to suggest, should not be less than 

 one-third. This appears to be the only means of allowing the cable to sink 

 into the hollows at the bottom of the sea, instead of hanging as it might 

 otherwise do in some places in long loops, supported only at their ends, 

 and consequently having to bear strains, which, if not at first, might ulti- 

 mately produce fracture, when the strength of the iron wire became im- 

 paired by oxidation. All the machinery should be covered by a kind of 

 house on deck, to protect the attendants from the weather ; it should be 

 well lighted at night, and proper accommodation be provided for the men 

 when off duty. An adequate number of efficient attendants should be 

 hired to superintend the machinery, who should relieve each other at short 

 intervals, and the greatest care should be taken to keep all the indicators 

 and other instruments in good working order. 



In conclusion, we beg to say that we think no practical difficulty would 

 be found in carrying out all the mechanical arrangements we have sug- 

 gested, and we also think that they should be carried out under the special 

 superintendence of the officer intrusted by the Company with the important 

 duty of laying the cable, assisted by the most able practical machinist who 

 may be willing to undertake the execution of the work, who should make 

 an experiment on shore on the proposed brake, as soon as one can be fin- 

 ished, and such other experiments as he may deem necessary to enable him 

 to arrange the details in the most effectual manner. 



We are, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 



T. LLOYD, 

 JOSHUA FIELD, 

 JOHN PENN, 

 WM. E. EVEllET. 



Soon after this, Mr. Everett's services were applied for to the Navy 

 Department, at Washington, by the Atlantic Telegraph company, by the 

 following letter: 



