324 SUBMARINE CABLE LAYING AND REPAIRING. 



small vertical engine, has been fitted for this purpose. The 

 smallest tank (No. 1 forward), 14ft. diameter, is generally used 

 for coiling grapnel rope, while No. 2, the largest, 2oft. diam- 

 eter, 12ft. deep, and No. 3, of 16ft. diameter, are the two 

 most generally in use, and will carry 150 miles of mixed cable 

 when required. No. 4 tank aft is 17ft. diameter. 



Two direct-coupled steam dynamo sets by Messrs. Clarke,. 

 Chapman & Co., of Gateshead, are provided to supply current 

 for general lighting, cable clusters, search-light and fans. The 

 machines are conveniently fixed on the main engine-room floor, 

 with main D.P. switches connected to a distributing switch- 

 board on the main deck. All wiring is on the looping-in two- 

 wire distribution system, with sub-main and branch D.P. fuses 

 located in central positions in section and distribution boxes. 



Night-work on deck is carried on by the aid of incandescent 

 lamps arranged in six-light clusters, with large dome reflectors 

 enamelled white inside, one such group throwing light im- 

 mediately under the bows. When making for the buoy by 

 night, also, the search-light on the bridge is found of great 

 use. The illustration herewith produced (Fig. 191) of this fine 

 vessel of 1,096 tons, whose work is chiefly in the Mediterranean 

 and Eed Sea. gives a fair idea of her proportions and build, 

 characteristia also of the cable ships "Amber " and " Mirror," 

 of the same Co npany, and the " Recorder," of the Eastern Ex- 

 tension Telegraph Company, 



The Cable Ship " Mackay- Bennett." — This steamer, owned 

 by the Commercial Cable Company of New York, is employed in 

 the maintenance of the Company's system in the Atlantic and 

 European waters. The three Atlantic cables of this Company 

 from Ireland to Nova Scotia represent together 6,894 miles, 

 the two from Nova Scotia to the States 1,352 miles, and the 

 two European cables connecting Ireland with England and 

 France 839 miles, or a total of 9,085 miles. Other Atlantic 

 vessels are the " Minia," of the Anglo-American Telegraph Com- 

 pany, and the "Pouyer-Quertier," of the Compagnie Fran9aise, 

 The " Mackay-Bennett," launched in September, 1884, was 

 built at Govan, on the Clyde, in the yard of Messrs. John 

 Elder and Co., and measures 270ft. by 40ft., by 24ft}. Bin. 

 depth moulded. Her tonnage is 1012*92 net registered and^ 



