CHAP. I.] BOATS' FITTINGS 51 



ing, to prevent the spray injuring instruments, books, board, 

 etc., should not be too high, so that the oflficer standing in the 

 stern-sheets may be able to take his angles over it. 



Fittings for a small wire sounding machine are necessary. 



Steam cutters for surveying work should be fully rigged, 

 as accidents Avill happen, especially as the boiler gets old, 

 and it is awkward to find oneself broken down with the ship 

 miles off, and probably out of sight, and nothing but a fore- 

 sail, which is the present service-fitting for these boats. For 

 this reason, unless working near the ship or in close harbours, 

 the masts and sails should always be in the boat. Lumber 

 irons should be fitted to carry these high up, so as not to inter- 

 fere with the wash-streak of canvas, nor take up necessary 

 room in the boat. 



The usvial fitting of a steam cutter, a canvas turtle-backed 

 canopy forward, is inconvenient, as the leadsman cannot 

 then stand in the bows, which is the best place for him. 

 The canvas wash-streak must therefore be carried to the 

 stem, and the stanchions on the bows must be liigher than 

 those amidships, to allow for plenty of pitching in a head sea. 



It will be found absolutely necessary to use the bow and 

 stern lockers for stowing gear, men's clothes, etc. ; but care 

 must be taken that the Uds are screwed down, whenever the 

 boat is at work in open water. 



Leadsmen's chains should be fitted on each side of the 

 steam cutter, to enable two leadsmen to work when occasion 

 requires it. 



Steam cutters must have little skiffs of some kind, to tow Light 

 as tenders for landing, as the boat is too heavy and draws ^ ^* 

 too much water to be beached, and should always be kept off 

 the ground, for fear of strains with the heavy boiler in her. 

 When only sounding, the tender is of course not needed. 



For pulling-boats, whalers will be found most generally Whalers, 

 useful ; they employ fewer men, and have quite enough room 

 in them. 



The simpler the sail the better, as it may be often up and 

 down, but a mizen is very useful. 



Fixed wash-streaks forward and aft will keep out much 

 water. 



Crutches with a long shank, wliich will raise the crutch 



4^2 



