20 SPORTING OF THE PAST 



off it extends automatically, inhaling into its ten cells 

 about 500 cubic feet of air. During the process 

 of expansion, the jointed bottom boards, which are 

 14 feet wide, fall into their places, and, lever 

 staunchions being placed under the gunwales, the 

 barge is ready for lowering in a minute or two. 

 When in the water a very substantial platform is 

 lowered into the barge, composed of beams 7 J 

 inches thick and 1 inch planks ; upon this deck 

 the cable will be coiled, and paid over a large iron 

 sheave at the stern-post. The barge weighs about 

 23 cwt., and having great powers of flotation, with 

 light draught, is expected to be very serviceable 

 in laying the shore ends of the new cable ; the 

 principle, moreover, appears to be one which it 

 might be found desirable to introduce into the 

 life-boat service." 



Mine is the smallest size made, and when 

 collapsed is only 7 inches wide. To open 

 and launch it takes less than one minute. 

 It also sails very well, and on lakes, with a 

 small spritsail with brails, it is exactly the thing. 

 A prettier and more useful little boat I never 

 had. 



I have mentioned this boat because I have 

 often been asked about such a thing. If by 

 any chance the outer skin should be injured — 



