Steam in the Navy 99 



the Admiralty were hard to convince. 

 Although the Admiralty barge was towed 

 to Blackwall and back with their Lord- 

 ships aboard at an average speed of 10 

 knots, they were not convinced, at least 

 not until further demonstrations had been 

 given. 



Then a sloop was converted to a screw- 

 propelled craft, and became known as the 

 Rattler. Now followed an interesting and 

 convincing test of the merits of the rival 

 methods of propulsion. On a calm day 

 a paddle sloop, named the Alecto, was 

 made fast stern to stern with the Rattler, 

 and at a given signal both ships steamed 

 their hardest. The result was not long in 

 doubt, and the advocates of the paddle- 

 wheeler saw their champion drawn away 

 at nearly three miles an hour. As both 

 vessels were as similar in dimensions and 

 engine power as possible, the test was a 

 very fair one. 



Still another test of the merits of the 

 two means of propulsion was made in 



