158 
Analyses of Books. 
[May, 
thus loaded she was towed by the Burhampootur , at the rate of miles, only | 
mile less than the steamer’s own velocity. 
A subsequent experiment which we witnessed, gave a more decided advantage ; 
indeed the result was quite paradoxical at the first view, seeming to prove that 
one could be equal to two ! The steamer’s maximum velocity alone was stated to 
be 7 miles, her engines making 30 strokes per minute ; with the float astern, laden 
with 63 tons of kentledge, the maximum velocity attained was 6} miles, the piston 
making 28 strokes Now these numbers are very nearly in the same ratio ; and as 
the consumption of coals is a» the strokes of the piston, the same quantity of fuel 
as would have conveyed the empty steamer to a given distance, sufficed to carry 
her thithei with the tug astern ; here was a clear gain of more than 2 to 1 in the work 
done, with a sacrifice of one-tourteenth only in the time occupied by the passage. 
The advantages of keeping the accommodation boats detached, has been more 
fudy pioved in the leccnt voyage of the Governor General up the country; on this 
occasion, both of the river steamers having vessels in tow, reached Benares in 24 
days, or rather in 202 hours of steaming. The comforts of the passengers were greatly 
increased, while the steam boats had more room for their fuel, and were more obe- 
dient to the helm : the native pilots had also become more skilful in pointing out 
the channel to be followed. 
On the other side of India, at the suggestion of Sir C. Malcolm, R. N. the steam 
communication with England vi ft the Red Sea, has been at last made a Government 
object, and a vessel of 411 tons, the Hugh Lindsay, furnished with powerful engines, 
was launched in the beginning of the present year. We have always though that 
the only hope of accomplishing this desirable object was by its adoption as a public 
measure. In the onset, no doubt, it would be a source of expense without return; 
but how many hundred objects of less utility command a national outlay ofgreater 
annual amount . Surely the speedy conveyance of despatches and public office*, to 
nay nothmg of the early receipt of political and commercial intelligence, is worthy 
of a pecuniary sacnfice greater than is here demanded 
anl^TA?'^’ deep,y Iade ” Wi "‘ 11 days ’ COa,s ’ on the 20th March, 
^ M days of •° 8 ' ° D ^ 7th ApriL Her ™yage to Suetoecu- 
piea zi days ot actual steaming;, and 11 in Mpi n „o ... ; . 
be avnirWI cv,,* an™ , / ' OUi> detentions, which may hereafter 
De avoided, She encountered contrary winds and u, i J 
sration nn tV Rpd ti ,• ' 8 and head seas, and an intricate navi- 
ganon up the tied Sea. The distance was 587? f 
140 on her log. b 1 ’ niaking a daily average of 
“ 71118 trial v °y a S e has by some been considered as a i v i 
successful than it might have been.” The fault seel mT’ T* f 
vessel depending on intermediate depOts i„ D l»„ f , “ U,e adopt, °" ° U 
like the Enterprise, which can make the ’whole n.n .t 7 c Ste8mer ’ ^ 
indeed shewn by a statement (Appendix P 1 h ♦ i ° nce - Captain Johnston had 
vessel becomes more economical than the r ^ ^ C ° nstantI > r employed, the latter 
port of coals is obviated. anges or Irrawady , because the trans- 
The Hugh Lindsay has just now denar^d nn 1 
Post Office packets, and we heartily wish Lr ? s fcond voyage to Suez, with 
her destination to the isthmus in less th uccess » anticipating that she will reach 
easily take the letters on to London*. ^ * m ° nth > whence another month will 
e must conclude our present extracts from Mr r> \ • 
general table of Indian Steamers, reserving for a f 7* ' mSep ’ 8 work ’ with hlS 
louii;:. 6 ^- which —c 
Proved mUTJ o rranT.LTa?„llr.o cop/XhTp* 0 *** 
pe witli the prevailing spring monsoon. 
