26 Mr Harvey's Observations on Sir It., Seppmgs' Plan 
sumed, of no small importance in case of an attack from a steam- 
vessel. In an 84 gun ship with a square stern, this point is 
distant from the stern, on the level of the gun-deck, about 18^ 
feet, and from the upper deck about l6 feet; whereas in the 
circular stern, the same point on the guurdeck is distant only 
12 feet, and from the upper deck but 13. In the case of a 60 
gun frigate, the distance of a similar point from the square stern 
is nearly 16 feet, while in the circular stem it is only 9. These 
united considerations tend unquestionably to prove, that the cir- 
cular stern is the form best capable of defence. 
The sentiments of so distinguished a man as Dupin, on a 
question of this nature, are entitled to the highest consideration ; 
and it is most pleasing and satisfactory to peruse the candid and 
sensible remarks he has made on the subject of round sterns, in 
his different valuable works. It is in the sterns of their ships,” 
says he, that the English at this time carry into effect a great 
improvement. For the future (it is to be wished that the libe- 
ral views of Dupin were completdy realised in this point) the 
sterns of their ships are to be circular, composed of timbers, and 
planked up in the same manner as the sides of the ships. They 
are to be pierced with ports, shut in with solid port-lids (below). 
The ships of three decks, for example, present four vertical 
ranges of four ports each, to fight when in retreat, which, in 
proportion to the breadth of the ship, present a force equal to 
that of ships the best armed in their sides. In the (square) 
stern, the many glazed windows, and the munnions of fir are 
the only defence ; notwithstanding a shot which comes into a 
ship from aft forward, or from forward aft, causes ten times the 
destruction which a shot does which comes in at one side and 
passes out at the other. Act contrary, then,” continues this en- 
lightened author, to what has hitherto been the practice, and, 
if possible, make the means of defence of the part most exposed 
ten times as great as it now is. Reason, at least, demands that 
this should be done. 
I ardently wish to see these improvements introduced into 
otrr ships. I have constantly repeated, since my first journey 
into England until this day, every argument, every observa- 
tion, every experiment, which have appeared to me to carry 
conviction to the mind. Prejudices and objections, which it 
