The Lesser Steamers 189 



then divide them into watertight sections, 

 so that they may be towed through the 

 canals which link the lakes with the sea. 

 The ships which have to be so divided 

 are the larger types; the smaller can pass 

 through the canals under their own steam. 



Then again, the British-built steamer is 

 seen upon the vast inland lakes of Africa 

 lakes which have no connection with 

 the sea. Here the steamers must be 

 of moderate size, built in sections which 

 can be transported easily, and then re- 

 assembled on the shores of the lakes. 



The cargo ship has evolved steadily 

 from a small, inefficient tramp to a vessel 

 of large tonnage equipped with all the 

 latest deck apparatus for unloading and 

 loading. Her engines, whilst strictly 

 economical, are both powerful and speedy, 

 many of the more important freighters 

 having a speed of 14 knots, which is only 

 slightly less than many a liner. 



Many of the cargo ships are better de- 

 scribed as cargo liners, since whilst the 



