[55] U. S. FISH COMMISSION STEAMER ALBATROSS. 57 



were replaced by rouud gutta-percha belts, which answered very well 

 so long as kept away from the cylinder of the reeling engine. This, how- 

 ever, was difficult at times, and when they did accidentally touch it the 

 gutta-percha would melt almost as quickly as tallow The belt finally 

 adopted is a simple grommet strap of 18 or 21 thread ratlin stuff which 

 is quickly made on board ship, does its work well, and is very durable. 



BELT TIGHTENER. 



The tightening pulley was formerly adjusted by hand, requiring the 

 united strength of two or three men ; even then the belt would frequently 

 slip. To remedy this evil the belt tightener (Plate XXVIII) was de- 

 signed. I made a rough sketch of it, and Passed Assistant Engineer 

 G. W. Baird, U. S. N., reduced it to the proper proportions, and super- 

 intended its construction. Fig. 1 shows a general view of the appara- 

 tus ready to be attached to the vertical shaft carrying the tightening 

 j)ulley. This is done by placing it over the end and inserting the pin. 

 Fig. 2, in a hole in thie shaft, as shown in Plate XXVIII. By the use 

 of this simi)le appliance the belt was promptly brought to the desired 

 tension and our troubles in that direction ceased. 



.THE RATCHET CRANK (PLATE XXVIIl). 



The reeling engine having a single cylinder, it was found necessary in 

 starting to open the throttle wide, and assist the crank over the center 

 by hand, when it would start off at great speed, bringing undue strain 

 on the wire. This difficulty was partially remedied by shipping the reel 

 cranks and starting by hand, thus attaining the gentle motion desired. 

 The only objection to this arrangement was the difficulty inexperienced 

 men had in unshipping the cranks while the engine was in motion. A 

 rachet crank on one end of the crank shaft seemed to me the simplest 

 and most direct remedy, as it would always be in position for instant 

 use; and, instead of unshipping it when the engine was working, it 

 would remain in place, hanging vertically as shown in Plate XXVII. 

 I made a rough sketch, and gave it to Passed Assistant Engineer 

 Baird, who reduced it to the proper proportions, made a working draw- 

 ing, and superintended the making of the crank, which has performed 

 its work admirably. Fig. 1 is a front, and Fig. 2 a side view of the 

 ratchet crank. 



tanner's sounding MACHINE (PLATE XXIX). 



This machine was designed for service on board the United States 

 Fish Commission steamer Fish Hawk, where it was used in depths not 

 exceeding 800 fathoms. It is used on board this vessel when working 

 in 200 fathoms or less, and for navigational purposes (where it is very 

 useful, being always in readiness for sounding). 



Jt is mounted on the port rail forward of tlie fore-rigging. 



