IMPROVEMENT IN ANCHORS. ^f 



the centre, where the square of the anchor is let into the 

 stock, have induced me to offer to the Society of Arts &c. a 

 plan of an anchor, which may be cheaper in construction, 

 and more likely to hold in various situations than those in 

 common use* 



The model I have sent will sufficeintly explain my in- *£hn improve* 

 tention^ and show how beneficial it may be in strengthening ment strength- 

 the anchor stocks. I wish much to notice to you its pro- mak^ them 

 babilit) of holding in the ground longer than other anchors, hold belter, 

 on account of the additional weight of the stock ; and this 

 will more particularly be the case in banks which shelve 

 suddenly down from the shore, such as at St. Helena, Caw- 

 sand Bay* and indeed in most of the islands in the West 

 Indies. The proportion of additional iron, as explained by 

 my model, is in all anchors to be twice and a half the dia- 

 meter of the shank from each side at the stock, and of 

 course this mode will supply the place of the present nuts, 

 which are only intended to prevent the stock from slipping 

 in and out, whenever it becomes loose, which accident 

 anchors are very liable to in hot climates. My anchor stocks 

 will save a considerable quantity of the finest timber, and 

 give much greater security. 



I likewise beg leave to offer to the Society a madel o€ a Accfckntsli*. 

 double fish hook, for the purpose of fishing the anchor, an p^rohappea 

 operation which, in the common mode of doing it, is fre- chc«L ^ ***" 

 quently attended with accidents both to the ship and crew, 

 from the anchor suddenly slipping unexpectedly in raising 

 it to its proper position. 



I flatter myself that these improvements will meet with 

 the Society's approbation. 

 I am, Sir, 



Your most obedient humble Servant^ 



Lower Mitcham, H. L, BALL. 



Feb, 13, 1808. 



This anchor, in external appearance, differs very httle 7^ anc |j y 

 from the common anchor; the improvement consists in the desaftowi* 

 forming and fixing of the shank of the anchor to the stock. 

 The stock a a, PI. I. figs. 6 and 7> is made of two pieces of oak 

 kolted together, and well secured by hoops. In the com- 



