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REPORT OF CAPTAIN POP HAM. 143 



for quantities of smaller articles, the manufacture of which was 

 more lucrative to the licensees, were being executed at the time 

 for the government. The manufacture was not then sufficiently 

 advanced as to the extent of the heating or vulcanizing ap- 

 paratus, for the manufacture of sails. The substituting of the 

 fibrous cotton fabrics for this use instead of duck, will not only 

 lessen the expense so as to make the sails cheaper, but when 

 corded and barred, will also make them stronger than duck. 



Their being made white will give them almost exactly the 

 appearance of other sails. Owing to the advancement of the 

 manufacture; the article has been greatly improved since the 

 sail for the Stephen Whitney was made, being manufactured 

 much lighter, and more complete in many respects. It is certain 

 that there can be no loss of power by the escape of wind 

 through these sails, consequently, the spread of canvas required 

 will be much less ; and vessels with these sails will be less 

 difficult to manage, and much more safe. Increased strength 

 may be gained by cording the sail with large twine, and by 

 making the bars of linen web. In this way an almost impas- 

 sible barrier is presented to the tearing of the sail beyond each 

 bar; whereas, a sail of duck, when it begins to tear is often rent 

 the whole length or breadth. 



The comparative durability of the two kinds of sails is too ob- 

 vious to be discussed ; but the superiority of the gum-elastic 

 sail, not being liable to mildew and decay like canvas, may be 

 noticed. 



The peculiar property of these sails, and one upon which 

 emphasis may be placed in desci'ibing it, is pliability. They 

 will not stiffen and freeze, as will be seen in the report of Capt. 

 Popham ; and any one may easily ascertain by trial, that ice will 

 not adhere to gum-elastic fabrics. This being the case, the 

 danger is less, and much labor and hardship in working them is 

 saved. 



This is perhaps the most extensive and important of all the 

 applications of gum-elastic, is one of national interest, and the 

 subject is worthy of an abler pen. The writer would here 



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