APPENDIX. 



377 



able figure, owing to the improper manner of measuring 

 the register tonnage. In order to save a little trouble of 

 calculation to the surveying officer in gauging the contents 

 of the vessel, the law directs him merely to take the length 

 and breadth at the widest place, and from these lines, by 

 a regular formula, to compute the tonnage; the vessel 

 paying the charges for lights and harbours, and other 

 dues, in proportion to this measurement. The result is, 

 that, in order to lessen these dues individually, our ves- 

 sels are constructed deep in proportion to breadth, con- 

 sequently are sluggish sailers, and not nearly so safe and 

 pleasant sea-boats as they otherwise would be — many a 

 ship, especially with light cargo, getting on her beam- 

 ends and foundering, or not standing up under canvass 

 to weather a lee shore. The influence of this absurd 

 measurement law is the more unlucky, as the ship-owner, 

 from a deep vessel being, in proportion to the capacity of 

 the hold, cheaper than one of shallower or longer dimen- 

 sions, is already more disposed to construct his vessel 

 deeper than is consistent with the safety of the seamen 

 and security of the ship and cargo, the particular insu- 

 rance of a deep vessel not being greater than that of one 

 of safer proportions. The injurious effect from vessels 

 being constructed on the principles of avoiding tolls or 

 dues, rather than for sailing, will occur to every one. 

 We need not say that all this flows from the ignorance 

 or carelessness of the constructors of our Parliamentary 



acts, consequent to defective representation. 



1 



