102 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



a chain is secured to the cathead or bulwarks, the other end being 

 run through the eye or ring of the anchor, and placed on the 

 supporter, between the frame and the guard. On the top of the 

 tripper frame is a movable pawl or holdfast, with a ring, which 

 is in contact with the supporter. Now, by lifting the pawl, it 

 may be seen (the supporter being a little bevelled,) that the 

 anchor hanging on the same, will force the supporter backward 

 within the frame, and allow the anchor to drop freely. On se- 

 curing the anchor again, run the chain tlirough its eye as before, 

 rest the link in the supporter, and drop the pawl when all is 

 secure and in readiness again for dropping. 



Bryant's Friction Cable Stopper. 



All cable stoppers used to the present time stop the cable in- 

 stantly. It is immediately seen that the wear and tear of the 

 cable, vessel, &c., by the present mode of stopping, is very great; 

 also, the shock anytliing but agreeable. 



Thousands of pounds of cable running out at a great velocity, 

 to be suddenly checked, it is easily perceived, has a tendency 

 every time to strain the weaker links, and in a short time de- 



