770 FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. L126] 



Steering rowlock and stern-band socket — Continued. 



shank is altered in shape so as not to be liable to break, and 

 the horns are wider so that the oar need not be drawn out so 

 far on the blade to be unshipped. The stern-band socket is of 

 improved pattern ; it prevents splitting of the stern-post, and 

 cannot be worked or wrenched loose. Middletovvn, Conn. 

 54,308-9. Wilcox, Crittenden & Co. 



STEERING: ROWLOCK WITH SOCKET. 



Made of galvanized iron. Used on Cape Ann seine-boats. The 

 small opening of the horns prevents rising of the oar. Height, 

 9£ inches. Middletown, Conn. 25,113. Wilcox, Crittenden 

 &Co. 



Steering-oar socket. 



Made of galvanized iron. Used on side of stern of Cape Ann 

 seine-boat. Middletown, Conn. 25,114. Wilcox, Crittenden 



&Co. 



Menhaden seine-boat rowlock. 



Made of galvanized iron, with brass socket. Made specially for 

 use of boats belonging to menhaden oil factory of Joseph 

 Church & Co., Tiverton, E. I. Height, 8 inches ; opening, 3£ 

 inches wide. Middletown, Conn. 57,549. Wilcox, Critten- 

 den & Co. 



Lyman's patent bow-facing rowing-gear. (William Lyman, pat- 

 entee, Middlefiekl, Conn.) 

 This bow-facing, i. e., front-view rowing-gear, is an invention which 

 allows the rower to face forward instead of backward, pulling 

 in the same mammer as with the ordinary oars. This reverse 

 movement is obtained by having the oar in two parts, each 

 part having a ball and socket joint, which is attached to the 

 wale of the boat by means of a slot and button, and the two 

 parts connected by a rod (with hinged bearings) which crosses 

 the wale of the boat. U. S. Fish Commission. 26,902, 39,453. 

 " Some of the advantages claimed by the inventor of this row- 

 ing-gear over the ordinary oar : (1.) The oarsman faces the di- 

 rection in which he goes. This advantage of right position 

 can be appreciated by conceiving how awkward it would be to 

 drive or walk backward, which is the position of all oarsmen 

 when using the old-style oars. (2.) The arrangement of the 

 lever is such that the oarsman applies his strength to the best 

 mechanical advantage, enabling him to row faster and more 

 easily than with any other oar. (3.) During the stroke the 



