Securities against Fire, &c. 299 
first arrangement made for steam boats about a century ago; as we 
know by a pamphlet then published, and by the engraving annexed 
to it, where was seen a small steam boat, towing an English frigate 
into harbor.—A second step must follow this; which is that of re- 
moving two other articles out of the principal vessel, namely, what- 
ever is subject to explosion, and whatever is peculiarly liable to 
produce combustion ; or in other words, gunpowder, and quick lime. 
These articles must be placed in a separate vessel; to be drawn 
by a towing line. —Thus, instead of one single vessel for the whole 
of the steam boat concern in close waters, as at present; we shall 
have a little flotilla; of which the steam boat properly so called, 
will form the van, the principal vessel the centre, and the little vessel 
(with the articles of lading excluded from the principal vessel) the 
rear. ‘This arrangement is simple, and yet it seems effective; es- 
pecially if we add, that the stewards room and the kitchen may be 
placed respectively, at the opposite szdes of the principal vessel, and 
be protected within by linings from sheets of iron, (such as were 
mentioned in my letter when speaking of Mr. David Hartley.) And 
be it here observed, that in case of fire in the principal vessel, the 
two smaller vessels may be useful in affording an asylum to those 
whose escape we wish to secure. 
To these greater arrangements, mznor ones are yet to be added. 
For example, both the principal vessel and the vessel in the rear, 
may have one of Mr. S. V. Merrick’s small fire engines on board ; 
each engine being provided with a suction pipe, to draw water di- 
rectly out of the river; and the principal vessel may have holes in 
different parts of its sides to receive the pipes of these engines, in 
case of fire.—Bamboo canes (in abundance) may be provided ata 
most trifling expence to be applied, in the Chinese manner, under 
the arm pits of those passengers in the principal vessel, who may be 
obliged to throw themselves into the water without being able to 
swim; (for let nothing be thought too small for notice, where life 
may be saved).—As to lightning rods, I have heard of no accident 
from the want of one ; and perhaps the construction of the boat and 
the element on which it swims, make a steam boat, by its very es- 
sence, a conductor of lightning; not to mention the security which 
has sometimes been derived from masts and rigging. 
But a separate question now arises; namely, whether two steam 
engines, each on board a vessel of its own; will not be better than 
Vou. XXVI.—No. 2. 39 
