556 FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. [44] 



dead center, both being connected to the same crank-pin. The engine 

 is provided with " link-motion," so that it may be run forward or back- 

 ward, or stopped instantaneously, by the operation of the reversing- 

 lever, which is fitted to lock in three positions. By its elastic flexure 

 the lever, in locking, is thrown into jogs cut in the flange of the stand- 

 ard, against which it presses. The after lever, working in a vertical 

 plane, as shown in the plate, is the reversing-lever. 



The winch-head, which is 22.56 inches in its least diameter, to accom- 

 modate one fathom of the l^inch dredge-rope in a single turn, is keyed 

 to its shaft, the latter working within the larger gear-wheel. It is pro- 

 vided with a powerful friction-brake, operated by a lever, and may be 

 thrown in or out of gear with the engine by means of a lever, and over- 

 hauled independently. Below the brake-lever is the throttle, the wheel 

 of which is made large that it may be turned easily and delicately with 

 the left hand, when the right hand is engaged with the brake-lever. 

 On the hub of the winch-head is a steel worm, to engage the gears of 

 a register (plate 38), which indicates approximately the number of 

 fathoms of dredge-rope payed out. On the after end.of the crank-shaft, 

 outside of the fly-wheel, is a small winch-head for general use. The 

 pressure of steam is usually 60 pounds. 



The winding-engine is of the same general description as the hoist- 

 ing-engine, has two 6-inch cylinders, and is single-geared to the axle of 

 the dredge-reel. It is fitted with reversing and clutch levers, arranged 

 for locking in position. The engine and reel are under the control of 

 one man. 



Commander Sigsbee makes the following interesting general remarks 

 regarding the dredge-reel : u For dredging in depths no greater than 

 500 fathoms, which would require no more than 1,000 fathoms of rope 

 on the working reel, the latter might be made part of the hoisting-en- 

 gine? and be geared to the crank-shaft. The advantage would be in 

 compactness and simplicity. For general work, the plan adopted by 

 the Blake is probably better. When the reel takes the full strain on 

 the rope in hauling back, great strength is needed to resist the crush- 

 ing force accumulated upon the drum, and to adapt a reel capable of 

 holding 4,000 or 5,000 fathoms of rope to this strain would involve an 

 increase in its weight by no means desirable, either for paying out rope 

 or for planting on a vessel's deck." 



The hoisting-engine and reel of the steamer Fish Hawk, which limits 

 her dredging operations to moderate depths of water, are, as described 

 elsewhere, combined in the manner recommended by Commander Sigsbee. 



The positions allotted to the several dredging and sounding appli- 

 ances on the Blake, are shown diagrainrnatically on plate 29, and graphi- 

 cally on numerous other plates. 



