of constructing ships in the mercantile navy. 13 7 
The deficiency of strength causes also an alarming insecu- 
rity in the plank of the bottom, as shown at E, PI. VIII. 
Fig. 3. termed the garboard strake ; which consequently, 
has no other fastening to the general fabric, than its connec- 
tion with the keel at F, PI. VIII. Fig. 3. and a slight security 
at G, PL VIII. Fig. 3 : hence it is obvious, that in the event 
of the keel being disturbed, the garboard strake, from its 
being attached to it, must share the same fate as the keel, 
and in that case the loss of the vessel would be inevitable. 
To obviate these serious defects, is the principal object of 
this paper. 
The principle I would recommend is explained in PI. IX. 
Fig. 4 ; by which it will be seen, that the component parts of 
each rib are of shorter lengths and less curvature, and con- 
sequently less grain-cut ; that they are more firm and solid 
by the substitution of coaks or dowels, for chocks or wedge- 
pieces ; and that the mode of connecting the lower timbers 
is better adapted, in the event of a ship grounding, to give 
support and strength to the fabric, as will appear by the line 
marked H. 
The plan of connecting the ends of the timbers by circular 
dowels or coaks (as at I,) is simply that which has, from 
time immemorial, been practiced to unite the fellies of car- 
riage wheels ; and we learn from Mr. Wood, that the same 
method has % been observed in joining together the separate 
pieces of the shafts of the stone columns in the ruins of 
Balbec. “ Little more of this great edifice (says this author) 
“ remains, than nine lofty columns supporting their entabla- 
“ ture. It is remarkable, that the shaft of these columns 
“ consists of three pieces most exactly joined together with- 
