LAYING DEEP-SEA CABLES. 441 



discussed at some length. The manageability of 

 the Great Eastern, in skilful hands, had been 

 proved by Captain Anderson (now Sir James 

 Anderson) to be very much better than could have 

 been expected, and to be sufficient for the require- 

 ments in moderate weather. She has both screw 

 and paddles an advantage possessed by no other 

 steamer in existence. By driving the screw at full 

 power ahead, and backing the paddles to prevent the 

 ship from moving ahead, or (should the screw over- 

 power the paddles), by driving the paddles full power 

 astern, and driving at the same time the screw ahead 

 with power enough to prevent the ship from going 

 astern, " steerage way " is created by the lash of 

 water from the screw against the rudder ; and thus 

 the Great Eastern may be effectually steered with- 

 out going ahead. Thus she is, in calm or moderate 

 weather, almost as' manageable as a small tug 

 steamer with reversing paddles, or as a rowing boat. 

 She can be made still more manageable than 

 she proved to be in 1865, by arranging to disconnect 

 either paddle at any moment ; which, the speaker 

 was informed by Mr. Canning, may easily be done. 



