LA Y1NG DEEP-SEA CABLES 439 



The several plans of proceeding that have been 

 proposed are of two classes those in which, by 

 three or more ships, it is proposed to bring a point 

 of the cable to the surface without breaking it at 

 all ; and those in which it is to be cut or broken, 

 and a point of the cable somewhat eastward from 

 the break is to be brought to the surface. 



With reference to either class, it is to be 

 remarked that, by lifting simultaneously by several 

 grapnels so constructed as to hold the cable 

 without slipping along it or cutting it, it is possible 

 to bring a point of the cable to the surface without 

 subjecting it to any strain amounting to the weight 

 of a length of cable equal to the depth of the 

 water. 



The plan which seemed to the speaker surest 

 and simplest is to cut the cable at any chosen 

 point, far enough eastward of the present broken 

 end to be clear of entanglement of lost buoy-rope, 

 grapnels, and the loose end of the electric cable 

 itself; and then, or as soon as possible after, to 

 grapple and lift at a point about three miles farther 

 eastward. This could be well and safely done by 



