THE CABLE SHIP ON REPAIRS. 349 



' The vessel was constructed at the Mitsubishi Dockyard and 

 Engine Works at Nagasaki, from the designs of Dr. C. Shiba 

 and Mr. K. Suyehiro, Professors of the Engineering College of 

 the Imperial University of Tokyo. The vessel was launched on 

 June 2, 1906, six months after the laying of her keel. The 

 " Ogasawara Maru " is a steel, spar-decked, twin-screw steamer 

 of 1,455 gross tonnage, capable of steaming 12 knots with 

 engines developing 1,850 I.H.P. at full speed. 



The hull and machinery of the vessel were all constructed 

 by the Mitsubishi Co., except the cable gear, which was sup- 

 plied by Messrs. Johnson & Phillips. Three cable tanks are 

 provided in the vessel, one fore tank of 20ft. 6in. diameter, 

 intended for the storage of shore-end cables, the main tank, 

 27ft. in diameter, and one after tank of 23ft. diameter. The 

 total capacity of the three tanks provides storage for 600 tons 

 in all of deep-sea cables. Each tank is provided with a cone at 

 the centre for storing battens or fresh water. The hatchways 

 of the tanks are provided with girders, carrying bellmouth, 

 crinolines, &c. 



The structural arrangements provide for two complete decks 

 running fore and aft, and an inner bottom carried nearly the 

 whole length of the vessel, a feature which is necessary in this 

 class of vessels. The whole is subdivided into five water- 

 tight compartments by transverse bulkheads. 



The foremost cable tank, provided for the shore-end cables, 

 is carried up to the level of the main deck. The main tank is 

 brought 5ft. above the main deck, leaving ample clearance 

 between the top edge of the tank and lower side of the deck 

 above. The bottoms of these tanks rest on the top of the 

 inner bottom plating. The after tank is of similar construction 

 to the main tank, the bottom, however, resting oa the top of 

 the shaft tunnel. 



The vessel is rigged as a two-masted schooner. Besides 

 the necessary cargo appliances, the foremast is provided 

 with yards to facilitate the lowering of buoys, &c., in cable- 

 laying work. 



Cable Depots. — Part of the system of maintaining submarine 

 cables consists in means for storinjj; cable on shore at convenient 

 centres, and in the establishment of depots where cable can be 



