Observations Conducted on Sailing- Ships 



63 



wholesale rubber manufacturers). The size of the discs and length of 

 the rubber are matters as to which it is impossible to lay down any 

 general rule. 



The wire used for tow-netting is usually a stranded wire, and one 

 which we have used successfully was supplied to me by Bullivant 

 and Co. — a strand of seven wires (21 gauge), ^ inch diameter, with a 

 breaking strain of 10 cwt. Five hundred fathoms of this wire weigh 

 about 60 pounds. Wires of this description vary very considerably, 



Fig. 4. 



A, Steam capstan ; B, large reel divided so as to carry thick wire and sounding wire ; C, counter 

 marking in fathoms paid out; D, block attached to movable spar F; E, wheel over which 

 wire runs ; H, accumulator attached to mainmast at G ; K, coil of rope attached to spar. 



and some that we have obtained elsewhere have proved quite worthless, 

 the strands overriding, and thus preventing the descent of messengers. 

 A ' soft ' wire should never be selected, for this reason. 



A sudden strain is by the accumulator greatly relieved, and though 

 sometimes extended to a dangerous degree, we have never lost a 

 tow-net or instrument since using it, now for some years. 



The general plan is exhibited in the diagram. 



From the steam capstan A the chain passes over the cogged wheel of 

 the winch B. The wire from this drum is led to the counter C, thence 

 over the pulley D, and from that over the pulley E, and carries either 

 the sounding-lead or the tow-net. To the bottom of the mainmast is 



