ON DEEP-SEA SOUNDING. 



the wire. When the depth exceeds 3,000 

 fathoms, it will, no doubt, be generally found 

 convenient to keep the ship hove to until a 

 fe\v hundred fathoms of the wire have been 

 brought on board. When the length out does 

 not exceed 2,500 fathoms, the ship may be 

 driven ahead slowly, with gradually increasing 

 speed. When the length of wire out does not 

 exceed 1,500 fathoms, the ship may be safely 



driven ahead at 

 five or six knots. 

 The last 500 fa- 

 thoms may be got 

 on board, with 

 ease and safety, 

 though the ship is 

 going ahead at ten 

 or twelve knots. 

 Thus, by the use 

 of wire, a great 

 saving of time is 

 effected ; for in the 



Sounding. 



ordinary process the hemp rope must be kept as 



