314 



SENDING OUT STEAMERS 



Sending out Steamers to the Pacific Ocean. 



Several plans have been suggested for the 

 na^dgation of steamers to the Pacific Ocean, all 

 having their peculiar advantages and disadvan- 

 tages ; but the least difficult, and perhaps the 

 most secure, is the exclusive use of sails with- 

 out the aid of steam. This plan is also the 

 most economical : the wear and tear and strain- 

 ing of the engines, is thus avoided, and the 

 liabilities to the ordinary contingencies of 

 risk are diminished. A long and steady 

 strain on the engines has doubtless a very 

 injurious effect, and the boilers, from con- 

 tinued heat must also suffer seriously ; all those 

 difficulties are avoided by the use of sails, and 

 the voyage, if not performed so quick, will be 

 probably more secure. The navigation of the 

 Straits of Magellan could be effected with 

 much more ease and despatch by steam, and 

 probably Avith less risk ; nevertheless, by using 

 care and caution and improving favourable 

 opportunities, the navigation could be effected 

 by sails without any apprehension, and there 

 is scarcely a doubt, that, by this arrangement, 

 the voyage could ba performed from England 

 to the coast of Chile in about four months. 



