144 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



appeal to all whom it concerns, not to leave unheeded that 

 which so deeply affects the interests of mankind. 



Plate xi., fig. 1, represents sails that are made of barred coated 

 canvas, such as was tried upon the Stephen Whitney. Plate 

 xi., fig. 2, represents sails made of the corded and barred cotton 

 fibrous fabrics, with which experiments are now being made for 

 sails, which it is believed will answer better than duck, on the 

 score of both cost and quality. 



REPORT OF CAPTAIN POP HAM. 



New York, Januarij ^Ih, 1846. 

 Mr. Charles Goodyear. 



Dear Sir, 



It gives me pleasure to say, in reply to your letter, I can state 

 decisively that your metallic India rubber canvas is a superior 

 article for ships' sails, and especially for heavy and storm sails. 



The topsail in question was put on the packet ship Stephen 

 Whitney, in May, 1845, since which time it has been constantly 

 and severely tried during three passages across the Atlantic, 

 both winter and summer. Among its manj^ good qualities, that 

 of its remaining pliable and clear of ice when other sails are 

 frozen and stiff, is deserving of special notice 



I shall be able to speak further of its durability, if it ever 

 wears out. That a canvas so inferior as this was, before it was 

 covered with your gum-elastic, should endure service as this 

 has, is to me a matter of surprise. 



Charles W. Popham, 



Of Ship Stephen Whitney, 



