142 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



the writer on the day of sailing, gave him an invitation to go to 

 sea under an India rubber sail. His first emotions were those 

 of displeasure at the conduct of the clerks, but it was too late to 

 unbend it, it fitted well, and it was with feelings mingled with 

 regret, hope, and fear for the result of the first experiment of so 

 important an application, that the writer saw the sail set, and, 

 outside the bay, filled with a stiff breeze. 



This sail was made of a cloth very inferior to the light sail 

 duck, and was banded in the same manner as that represented 

 by the plate . The performance of this sail, considering the 

 quality of the canvas of which it was made, as appears from 

 Capt. Popham's reports, was matter of surprise. 



Notwithstanding the favorable nature of these reports, the 

 writer was aware that these sails were heavier than would be 

 desirable, as the goods were then made. Since that time the 

 improvement in this respect is such, that the article now appears 

 to be quite unobjectionable. 



The sail was taken off" before the loss of the Stephen Whitney, 

 and sent to Washington for inspection. 



The question will naturally arise, why an improvement of so 

 much importance should so long remain without further notice ? 

 It may be answered that the best things often remain unnoticed 

 from the fact, that circumstances exist adverse to their introduc- 

 tion ; and it sometimes happens that the advantages promised 

 by particular things are so great, as in themselves to stagger 

 belief, and excite incredulity. Such would appear to be the 

 case in reference to the use of this substance for ships' sails, 

 and this application has undoubtedly been delayed chiefly on 

 that account. 



It was not, however, wholly unnoticed as has been generally 

 supposed. Orders were given by the government for several 

 suits of these sails, through Col. Staunton, who superintended the 

 equipment of vessels for the Mexican se^rvice. The principal 

 reasons why the orders were not executed, were these : Orders 



