STEAM NAVIGATION. 99

On the 7th of July, 1838, a new iron vessel, built by Messrs.Laird and Company, of Birkenhead, and fitted with a screw propeller,was launched into the Mersey."This vessel was constructed forCaptain Stockton, of the American Navy, who has been alreadymentioned, and consequently received the name of the Robert F.Stockton. To the kindness of Mr. John Laird I am indebted for thedrawing of this vessel, as she was rigged for her first voyage acrossthe Atlantic; and from one of the scientific journals already quotedthe following particulars are extracted.

“ Several experiments have been made with her(the Robert£.Stockton), the results of which appear very satisfactory, both in rela-tion to the application of the propellers to inland and to ocean navi-gation; and these experiments derive additional weight from the factof their having been performed and approved of in Liverpool, thegrand emporium of shipping and of commerce.

«“ Respecting the speed which it has been asserted may be attainedby the new propeller, we have to notice a brief trial made belowBlackwall on the 12th January, 1839, in the presence of about thirtygentlemen, many of whom were scientific and practical men."Theresult was, that a distance of nine miles(over the land) was passedin 35 minutes, with the tide; thus proving the speed through thewater to be between 11 and 12 miles per hour."Che propeller wasonly 6 feet 4 inches in diameter; the dimensions of the boat aregiven in the account of the next experiment.

“ An experiment, proving the great power of this propeller, withan account of which we have been supplied, was made on the 16thinstant, between Southwark and Waterloo bridges, the result of whichwas as follows.

“ Four coal barges, with upright sides and square ends, viz.

Nep.. 15 feet beam, drawing 4 feet 6 inches water.Joseph, 15 feet 7 inches do.» 4 feet 6 inches do.Mary,. 15 feet 2 inches do. 95 4 feet 6 inches do.

Ugie,. 13 feet 4 inches do. 5 4 feet 0 inches do.

1838.

1839.Jan. 12,