Observations Conducted on Sailing-Ships 61 



deep-sea tow-nets, the taking of temperatures, the collection of water 

 samples (for subsequent analysis), dredging, and trawling. 



In comparatively shallow waters, such as the North Seas, extended 

 voyages may be made and effective scientific results recorded with 

 quite small craft. My small yacht, the PValwin, of only 30 tons 

 (y.m.), has made frequent cruises from Shetland to the Faeroe Islands, 

 some of the results of which are recorded in this volume. But as 

 there is no room on such a vessel for steam apparatus, everything 

 has to be hauled by hand. Where the depth is not over 100 to 

 200 fathoms, this is not difficult in willing hands ; but when the depth 

 reaches 500 fathoms and over, it is too great a tax upon human 

 endurance, even as exemplified in the Shetland sailorman. Conse- 

 quently, a larger vessel is desirable, in which is placed a steam 

 capstan. 



The Silver Belle is a ship of 120 to 130 tons (y.m.), sufficiently 

 large and comfortable to make extended cruises in any direction. 

 Into this ship I fitted a steam capstan of the type commonly employed 

 on the fishing-boats of the North of Scotland. The boiler is placed 

 below deck, rather forward of the middle, between the forecastle and 

 the chart-room, and steam is led from it to the capstan, which is 

 placed on deck on the port side, at a distance behind the mainmast 

 sufficient to permit of the big drum (on which is wound the wire) 

 being placed forward of it and clear of the boom. 



There is nothing about the drums which carry the wire which 

 any ordinary engineer cannot devise suitably to the vessel for which 

 they are intended. The ordinary reels used on board ship to carry 

 short lengths of wire cable are, however, scarcely suitable for deep- 

 water work, because the strain upon them is too great, and they sooner 

 or later give way. The user is then lucky if he escapes without the 

 loss of several hundred fathoms of wire and the apparatus. Some- 

 thing stronger than these ordinary reels is therefore required. On 

 board the Silver Belle I have a special winch, made for me by Messrs. 

 Bullivant and Co., consisting of two stout upright iron plates, bolted 

 together by cross-pieces, and enclosing a large drum divided into two 



