102 MEMOIR OF FLEEMING JENKIN 



of cable, and when but a few miles off Galita in 

 very deep water, had to telegraph to London for 

 more cable to be manufactured and sent out whilst 

 he tried to stick to the end : for five days, I think, 

 he lay there sending and receiving messages, but 

 heavy weather coming on, the cable parted and 



Mr. went home in despair — at least I should 



think so. 



' He then applied to those eminent engineers, 

 R. S. Newall & Co., who made and laid down a 

 cable for him last autumn — Fleeming Jenkin (at 

 the time in considerable mental agitation) having 

 the honour of fitting out the Elba for that purpose.' 

 [On this occasion, the Elba has no cable to lay ; 

 but] ' is going out in the beginning of May to 



endeavour to fish up the cables Mr. lost. 



There are two ends at or near the shore : the third 

 will probably not be found within 20 miles from 

 land. One of these ends will be passed over a 

 very big pulley or sheave at the bows, passed six 

 times round a big barrel or drum ; which will be 

 turned round by a steam engine on deck, and thus 

 wind up the cable, while the Elba slowly steams 

 ahead. The cable is not wound round and round 

 the drum as your silk is wound on its reel, but on 

 the contrary never goes round more than six times, 

 going off at one side as it comes on at the other, 

 and going down into the hold of the Elba to be coiled 

 along in a big coil or skein. 



