966 Asiatic Society. [No. 130. 



Report* of a Special Board of Officers assembled at Barrackpoor on the 23rd Sep- 

 tember 1842, by order of Major General Littler, Commanding, to test and report upon 

 two Bamboo Floats, or Life Preservers, submitted by Major W. Hough, with a view 

 to their being used, under the sanction of Government, in fleets of Troop -boats, when 

 proceeding on the river, for the preservation of lives, in case of wrecks, or other 

 accidents. 



President. 



Captain R. Smith, 28th Regt. N. I. 



Members. 



Captain Powell, M. B. and Capt. Tierney, 28th Regt. N. I. 



The Committee have duly tested the Bamboo Floats submitted to them, and are 

 of opinion, that in the event of a wreck or other accident, the use of the small one 

 would save the life of any man who was unable to swim, " if properly fastened on," as 

 it is sufficiently buoyant to keep the head and part of the neck above water, without 

 any exertion on his part. 



The large Float is capable of supporting four people by merely placing their hands 

 on it, which causes it to sink six inches, and will bear the weight of three persons 

 sitting upon it; but this plan appears objectionable, as it tilts up in every direction 

 and throws them off, which would be very dangerous to those who could not swim ; 

 but were there two or three practised swimmers to guide and keep it steady, it might 

 be capable of saving women and children. 



These floats ought to be made of very dry kaguzee bamboos, each piece to have 

 two or more knots, according to the size, which will make them the more buoyant. 



A small " Jhalee," or Frame-work, introduced over the centre square of the large 

 floats, upon which women and children might be placed, would tend to the preserva- 

 tion of life. (Signed) Ralph. Smith, Capt. and President. 



John Powell, Capt. and Member. 

 E. T. Tierney, Capt. and Member. 

 (Signed) J. H. Littler, M. General, 



Commanding at Barrackpoor. 

 (True Copy,) W. Hough, Major. 



Note from C. B. Greenlaw, Esq. 



Secretary to the Marine Board. 

 My dear Hough, — Many thanks for the Life Float. I think it the most admirable 

 I ever saw. No ship ought to go to sea from any place where bamboos are procur- 

 able, without a quantity of them on board. Yours &c. 



(Signed) C. B. Greenlaw. 

 (True Copy.) W. Hough, Major. 



Government House, 1th October, 1842. 

 [Extract.] Dear Sir, — "I am directed by the Hon'ble the Deputy Governor of 

 Bengal, to thank you for the inspection of the Life Preserver, of which he highly ap- 

 proves. 



* A copy sent by the General to the Commander-in-Chief. 



