138 Sir Robert Seppings on a new principle 
“ out cement, which is used in no part of the buildings, they 
“ being strengthened with iron pins received into a socket. 
“ How much this method contributed to the strength of the 
“ building, is remarkably seen in the most entire temple, 
“ where a column has fallen against the wall of the cell with 
“ such violence, as to beat in the stone it fell against, and 
“ break part of the shaft, while the joinings of the same shaft 
“ have not been in the least opened by the shock.” 
That the frame of the Thunderer, (now Talavera) built 
on this principle, is superior in point of strength, to a frame 
constructed on the common system, is fully established by 
a report from the officers of His Majesty's Yard at Woolwich 
to the Navy Board, who directed them to compare the strength 
of the frames so united, with those of the Black Prince, con- 
structed in the usual way with chocks or wedges. 
It may be necessary to observe, that the frame of the 
Thunderer is composed of small timber, hitherto considered 
applicable only for the frames of frigates. I was prompted 
to attempt the introduction of the plan on which she is built, 
from there being a surplus store of small timber in the yard, 
and from a conviction, that a well combined number of small 
timbers, might be made equal, if not superior, both in strength 
and economy, to the large, overgrown, and frequently grain- 
cut materials, made use of in constructing the frames of large 
ships ; and the result has shown the correctness of the prin- 
ciple ; the adoption of which cannot fail to prove of great 
national advantage, in the application of sloop timber to the 
building of frigates, and of frigate timber to ships of the line, 
whenever larger timber cannot be procured. On this prin- 
ciple also, may frigates and small ships of war, or merchant 
