126 History of Mechanical Inventions and Usef ul Processes. 
A soldier’s musket or blunderbuss, will doubtless serve the 
purpose better than a fowling-piece, but either will succeed ; 
and it is important to observe, that the line never snaps , and 
the average distance to which the arrow and a log-line were pro- 
jected, may be estimated at 230 feet ; — though in one case an 
iron-rod was carried 333 feet, but in this instance the line was 
favourably placed. It is obvious that a smaller line would be pro- 
pelled farther, and, when aided by the breeze, which would be 
most effectual, if the arrow was launched from on board toward 
a lee shore, the distance would be greatly extended, and in that 
case a plumed ruff might surround the shod summit of the 
arrow, inclining toward the eye. 
It must also be remembered, that as the experiment may be 
repeated from on board, the distance assigned to the flight of 
the arrow would be doubled. The one from on shore should 
have a small float-board to preserve the buoyancy of the arrow 
on the waves, and in the dark and stormy night, carry a port- 
fire, to mark its transit through the atmosphere, and guide the 
aim from on board. 
Moreover, the life or other boat can generally, if not always, 
get sufficiently near the shipwreck, to propel the line on board 
by the method proposed. 
In some parts of the country, a rope fastened to posts is stretch- 
ed across rivers, by means of which letters, &c. are conveyed 
to the opposite side ; now, after heavy floods this may be, and 
often is washed away, but, by means of this invention, the com- 
munication may be promptly restored. 
This may also be employed to branch the harpoon in the 
whale-fishery. These experiments also explain the cause of the 
rope breaking in Captain Manby’s mortar, while they point out 
a method by which that misfortune may be remedied, and shew 
that the swivel may be substituted. 
There still remains another interesting application of the in- 
vention. The arrow may be projected over lofty buildings on 
fire, and carry a line attached to a lengthened rope-ladder , 
which could be drawn over the roof to the other side, and thus 
instantaneously establish a fire escape for the unfortunate in- 
mates from the roof (the last pedestal in cases of fire,) on both 
