NO. ij THE FRAM. 9 



15" 1 (38 cm.) broad. The three outside courses of planking, as well as the 

 ceiling, had each a separate rabbet cut in the stem. The propeller sternpost 

 is in two pieces placed side by side, and measuring 26 in ( 66cm.) laterally by 

 14 in (35 cm.) fore and aft. As will be seen by the lines (PI. I), the over- 

 hanging counter runs to a sharp edge, and there is no transom. On each 

 side of the sternpost is fitted a strong counter timber parallel to the middle 

 vertical plane, making as it were a double sternpost, and the space between 

 them forms a well, running up right through the upper deck. The rudderpost 

 is placed in the middle of this well, and devides it into two parts, one for the 

 screw and the other for the rudder. By this means the rudder as well as 

 screw -- which is made to unship - - can be raised clear of the water, and 

 again shipped into their places at pleasure. The rudder is hung so that the 

 rudder shaft, which is cylindrical, revolves about its own axis, in order to 

 prevent jamming if the well should be choked with ice. Abaft the rudder 

 well the space between the counter timbers is filled with solid wood, the whole 

 being securely bolted together laterally. The frames at this part of the hull 

 butt up against the counter timbers, and are secured to them by means of 

 knees. The stem and sternpost are of course strengthened, and the two sides 

 of the ship bound together, with massive aprons and breasthooks of wood 

 or iron. 



Although not built specially for ,,ramming", it was probable that the 

 Fram would occasionally be placed in situations, in which it would be neces- 

 sary to attempt to force a passage. Her bow and stern were, therefore, shod 

 in the usual manner with an iron casing. On the forward face of the stem 

 was bolted a segment-shaped bar of iron, from the bobstay plate downwards, 

 some distance under the keel. Outside this were bent, at right angles to 

 the stem, bars of iron about 3 fa X s /^ (7.6 X 1-9 cm.), extending about 

 6 feet along the planking on either side. These bars were placed close 

 together thus forming a continuous armour plating down to within a couple 

 of feet of the keel. The sharp edge of the counter abaft the wells was simi- 

 larly shod with transverse bars of iron, while the lower edges of the wells 

 were sheathed with stout iron plating. The rudder post, which from its ex- 

 posed position may be said to be the Achilles' heel of the ship, was streng- 

 thened with three heavy U shaped iron frames of which one was fitted inside 



