856 Memorandum of Experiments, $c. QOct. 



tors was led through the axis of each cork, and the cork slided along ; 

 as it reached its place a brush dipped in melted pitch was applied 

 round the wire, and the cork shoved on the pitched part. In a few- 

 seconds the pitch set, and was protected by the cork. The entire of one 

 conductor, 480 feet in length, was thus coated, and at an expense I 

 may observe of fifteen rupees for all the corks required.* 



To the side of this corked wire the second conductor was lashed 

 on by turns of cord. On placing the entire in the tank, I found, to my 

 great satisfaction, that the conductors floated freely, were flexible, light, 

 and manageable in every direction, and that with the battery all along 

 employed, the standard platinum wire was ignited to the same dis- 

 tance as when the conductors were used on land. 



Mode of insertion and protection of the platinum wire in the mine. 



These experiments left nothing to be desired so far as the battery 

 and conductors were concerned. The next circumstance to be attended 

 to, was the best manner of inserting the platinum wire into the charge 

 of powder, so as to ensure explosion without risking the entrance 

 of water, and with such arrangements as would protect the wires 

 from sudden strains, which might endanger their being torn asunder. 



Colonel Pasley, of Chatham, was reported to have led the termina- 

 tions of the wires through corks, and then to have poured on a cement 

 composed of suet, wax, and pitch. I speak vaguely, not being in full 

 possession of the particulars of Colonel Pasley's method. His conductors 

 were made of wire led through ropes, well insulated by pitch, and 

 surrounded by tarred yarn. It is said that the heavy strain of these 

 rope-conductors frequently tore the wires from the cement, destroyed 

 the platinum loop, and prevented the desired explosion. I do not 

 make this statement in full knowledge of the facts, — it is moreover my 

 most anxious wish not to misrepresent this very distinguished officer ; 

 but my object in preparing for the explosion of the- " Equitable" was to 

 guard against the evils attributed to Colonel Pasley's system, by com- 

 mon report and newspaper statements. 



* Sola (the subaqueous spongy stems of JEschynomen e. paludosa of Roxburgh) 

 was tried, but was found too brittle and weak. 



