272 Our Surroundings 



of sails, hung largely on cross bars on the masts, forming what 

 is known as square rigging. With their several towering sail 

 masses and their splendid design, these ships were capable of 

 high speed. 



The invention of the mariner's compass, the increasing knowl- 

 edge of oceans and other great bodies of water, and the develop- 

 ment of larger ships making faster time, sent vessels farther and 

 farther away from the land. This led to the discovery of new 

 lands beyond the seas and to increasing commerce with distant 

 countries. Commerce and travel, however, were dependent upon 

 winds. Periods of calm or light winds often delayed ships for 

 weeks. Great storms frequently wrecked the rigging of sailing 

 vessels, even if the ships themselves survived, and ocean travel 

 was not only slow but dangerous. As time went on, science made 

 possible distinct advances in water travel. 



Popular Mechanics Magazine. 



THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHIPS 



Progress in shipbuilding during a century and a quarter. 



The Steamship. The invention of the stationary steam 

 engine led to experiments by Robert Fulton and to his final success 

 in connecting an engine with paddle wheels, so that steam power 

 would drive them and propel a boat to which they were attached. 

 The first practical steamship, the Clermont, was the result. On 

 October 17, 1807, this little vessel traveled the 150 miles from 

 New York to Albany at a rate of five miles per hour, independent 

 of winds. 



Rapid improvement in propelling machinery caused rapid in- 

 crease in the use of steamships. In 1839 the screw propeller was 



