853 
Observations on the Circular Sterns of Ships. 
and saxatile in full bloom, and an Orobus , which was beginning 
to unfold its blossoms. At last, on the highest hill, appeared 
what we thought the glory of all, Mercurialis ovata , which is 
figured and described in the Memoirs of the Botanical Society 
of Ratisbon. But, as our boxes were now filled, we were obliged 
to abandon these rare plants for the present, and content our- 
selves with what we had already gotten. 
(To he continued.) 
Art. XXVI. — Observations on the arguments adduced in sup- 
port of Circular Sterns. 
IVIlr Knowles informs us*, that 44 the advantages derived 
from the circular sterns, may be classed under the following 
heads : 
44 A considerable addition to the strength of the ships. 
44 2d, Safety to the people employed in them, both from the 
effects of a sea striking their sterns, and from shot fired by the 
enemy. 
44 3d, The additional means afforded for attach or defence. 
44 4ith, The improvement in the sailing qualities of the ships, 
by the removal of the quarter galleries” 
The first of these advantages will we believe be readily ac- 
knowledged. Under the second head we are told that, 46 in sterns 
formed according to the old plan, the men on all the decks, ex- 
cepting those in the lower gun-decks in ships of the Line, are 
exposed to the most destructive raking fire, their sterns being 
pervious even to a musket-ball.” From this we might be led 
to conclude that ships’ sides would be impervious at least to 
grape. But the quarter-deck bulwark of a frigate to which I did 
belong, (arid which, during the war with America, was sent on 
that coast to cope with their large frigates), was 44 pervious even 
to a musket-ball^ 
We are informed, that 44 the guns can be run out in that part, 
pointed, elevated, or depressed, with as much facility, and in 
the same manner, that those are in the sides of ships.” But we 
* London Journal of Science, No. xxviii, Art. vii. 
VOL. IX. NO. 18. OCT. 1823. 
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