The Sun.
London, England, 1833-02-02 00:00:00

SCIENCE AND ART.

CANAL NAVIGATION.
(From the Notional Standard.)
So little do we hear or 'earl ce the internal navigation
of this country, that it would almost deem as If our nume-
rous, and, in some instances, splendid canals, had fallen
into desuetude ; so much attention is bestowed, at present,
on the extraordinary velocity of railway travelling, and of
the facility this mode of locomotion affords for the transit
of goods, that one might imagine the perfect realization of
the fabled " age of iron ;" and that the " groaning earth"
was doomed to submit to the uninterrupted embraces of a
universal chemin de fer.
But this apparent forgetfulness is only indulged by the
surface of society ; by those who are too easily led
away by specious statements, and startling effects ; not
such effects as are consequent upon well understood causes,
hut such as are theatrical in their operation, and enthral
reason by amazement. Men of practical information have
looked more steadily at the subject, and have studied not
only the effect produced, but the cost of that effect, and
have very generally reserved the result of their inquiries
for some sober moments, when the intoxication of evane.
scent success had aubsided.
Is that moment arrived? We answer, yes! and- we
put forth our first article under the title of " Canal Navi-
gation," more for the purpose of stimulating the develop-
ment of the opinions, founded upon practical observation,
by the most active engineers of the day, than for the vain
pleasure of setting up any editorial dictum of our own.
Not that we are unprepared, or even disinclined, to speak
out; but because, on a subject of so much importance, we
would rather be aiding than leading ; and it is with this
view, that we declare our concurrence in the opinion ex-
pressed by Mr. Alexander Gordon, in the third number
of his " Journal of Elementary Locomotion."
Mr. Gordon says, " Too hasty assumptions of facts, or
rather calculations, made from a few imperfectly-observed
phenomena, have, in the case of canal navigation, led men
of science into labyrinths of error; one of the conse-
quences of which has been a detrimental depression of
canal property, on the one hand, and a wild and ruinous
investment of capital in general railway communication,
on the other. These circumetances make a correct inves-
tigation of the comparativermerits of these two modes of
inland transport essentially desirable."
The assumptions of facts alluded to by Mr. Gordon,
were, first, that the resistance offered by the water to a
boat or vessel, would increase in a ratio equal to the
square of the velocity; second, that it was impractica-
ble to produce a profitable increase of speed on canals, be-
yond four, or four and a half miles per hour ; and tbird,
that, could higher velocities. be profitably attained, the
surge occasioned by the boat, would overflow and destroy
the banks of the canal. And in juxtaposition with these
presumed dreadvantageettihle:ffifficelti..V in canal naviga-
tion, was placed she enormous stated profits of railroad
transport-
That the first position,, as to the power required
to produce increased velocity is correct, suppos-
ing the bort to be eritirAy immersed, or sunk in the
water,. we have little doubt ; the experiments gone
into originally by Condorcet, -D'Alembert, Donut, and
others, of the French Acaderiiy of Sciences, and re-
oentJy on the English Grand Junction Canal, by Messrs.
Palmer, Barlow, Dunkin, Bevau, and Chapman, are con-
clusive on this .point; but the result is no criterion by
,which to ascertain the resiatancesoffeerairby the Bete to
any thing moving almost or quite um) its sur%ce. Be-
cause, if the boat be so formed, as that the greater por-
tiorint the water, or all that site displaces. be caused to
pass under her bottom, increased velocity will tend to di•
minisither draught of water so much, that.-at the highest
speed, she may be said almost to skim upon the water ;
in which ease,whilet she displaces a much smaller quan-
tity of water than when impelled at a slower rate, the
water she so displaces has, perhaps, proportionately a
lets obstructive effect. The laws of dynamic*, as applied
to this part of the subject, have afforded Mr. Gordon some
very apt illustrations in " his Journal of Elemetatiry Loco.
motion," to which we bee our readers to refer, as to an au-
thority upon which much reliance may be placed.
The experiments of Mr. Graham, on the Paisley canal,
completely upset the second and third of the assumed ob-
jections; for their result, confirmed by subsequent expe-
rience, shows that " two horses on the Paisley canal can
drag, with ease, a passage-ho it, with her complement of
from severity-five to ninety passengers, at the rate of ten
miles an hour, while it would kill them, or even double
the number of horses, if.they attempted to drag that boat
along the canal at the rate of six miles an hour. It would
be much easier to draw the boat at the rate of fifteen
miles an hour, than at the lower velocity of six miles.
These facts have been proved and exhibited on various
ether canals."
He says, also, " A speed of ten miles an hour has, for
the last two years, been maintained in the carriage of pas-
sengers on one of the narrowest, shallowest, awl most
curved canals in Scotland, without raising a ripple on the
banks, even where the vessel carried upwards of 100
passengers, or as many as are carried in a tra n of coaches
on the Liverpool and Manchester railway. And the ex-
pense or cost of obtaining this speed is so trilling.,
that the fares per mile are, in these quick boats, just
one half and ore third of the tares in the railway coaches;
while, at these low fares, the profits are such as have in
duced the boat proprietors to quidruple the number of
boats on the canal."
If, then, the profits on the railway transit of passen-
gers be even as great as they are stated to be, they prove
no argument for the disuse of can ils, which, with good
management, may be made so much more profi able; and
it, as we suspect will be found to be the case, the startling
expense of locomotive engines, and the rapid displace-
ment of the embankment materia, should exceed the cal-
culations of the shareholders, a very few years will pro-
duce a complete revolution in public opinion, and raise
the value of canal property in a ratio exceeding its present
depreciation.
Connected with this subject, a series of experiments
have been made, in the last three weeks, at the National
Gallery of Practical Science, in Adelaide-street, by Mr.
John Macneill, the assistant engineer on the London and
Holyhead-road, under the direction of Mr. Telford. The
result of these experiments we shall lay before our readers
in a future number ; but we must express our regret that
they did not extend to a comparison of the different velo-
cities to be obtained with boats of the same capacity, but
varying in form.
The National Standard may boast of having among its
subscribers, many engineers of eminence in the profession,
and a goodly number of gentlemen interested in canal
property ; and of these we ask, why do you not offer a
premium for the best constructed boat, or model made to
s..ale, of given length, breadth, and depth, and capable of
accommodating a stated number of passengers, or of stow-
ing away goods to a certain tonnage ? If this were dune,
we are convinced that there would be plenty of competi-
tion, and certain that the progress of science, and the
interest of the public generally, would derive from it per-
manent benefit.

RECOLLECTIONS OF A CHAPERON.-" The
accomplished Lady DACRE is the Editress of this Work ;
the volumes are such as would not disgrace even her well-
established reputation in literature. They are extremely
unpretending, and describe characters and feelings perfectly
true and natural, but written with so much simplicity,
and such refined taste, as to be perfectly delightful, In
this novel-writing age, when so many ladies and gentlemen
bestow upon the public the fruits of their experience, and
the offsprings of their imaginations, it is a piece of rare
good fortune to find one who, possessing great powers of
observation and an intimate knowledge of the customs of
the best society, is equally above what has been called the
affectations of ' the silver fork school,' and those melo-
dramatic exaggerations which of late seem to be the most
approved materials for the fabrication of novels,"-- Times.

Free.
Slaves. .------7---- Total of
Coloured. ' Whites. Free.
_ -- -----
Maine 6 1,171 I 398,2r'01
New Hampshire 5 602 26,721
Rhode Island l4 3,564 93,621
Massachusetts 4 7,045 603,359
Connecticut 25 8,047 289,603
Vermont - 881 279,766 6,531,525
New York 76 44,869 j 1,873,663
Pennsylvania.
()trio 6 9,567 1 926,319Q1
Indiana 3 3,629 3430,399
Michigan 32 261 31,346 J
New Jersey 2,254 18,3403 300,2666
Delaware 3,292 15,8.55 57,691
Maryland 102,994 52,938 291,1 i 3
Virginia. 469,757 47,838 ' 694300
North Carolina 245,601 19,543 i 472,84.3
South Carolina 315,4u1 7,921 257863 I
Georgia 217,531 2,486 296,806
Kentucky 165,213 4,917 517,787
Tennessee 141,003 4,555 535,747 4,318,095
Lou siana. 109,588 16,710 I 09,411
Mississippi
Illinois 747 1,637 155,061
Alabama 117,549 1,527 1510,406
Missouri 25,091 569 114,795
Arkansis
Florida 15,501 844 18,385
Columbia
Total Slaves 2,00,050 Total Free 10,849,620

THE CLOCK MONUMENT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sfa,—ln this age of improvement and march of intel-
lect, every thing which conduces to its perfection becomes
a desideratum, and among the many improvements of this
vast metropolis, the New London bridge is not the least
with its confluence of new roads and elegant buildings. I
have often thought the Monument may he put to a much
better use than handing down a legend of nonsense from
the olden time. If a clock, to be lit up like that of St.
Bride's Church, in Fleet-street, were placed at a proper
height in its front aspect, it would be of the greatest utility
as well as ornament. I merely throw out this hint to the
city authorities, hoping they will give it due consideration.
[Our correspondent's ideas are certainly of an elevated
description; but we really think the plan he suggests, if
practicable, would furnish the metropolis with a unique
ornament : as an improvement upon it, we would suggest
that the clock should have four faces.--En.]

FRAME WORK-KNITTERS' MEETING.

(From the NottinDhant Review.)

On Monday afternoon, a numerous meeting of the de-
legates of the cotton framework-knitters of the three
counties of Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester, was held
at the George and Dragon, Long-row, Nottingham
(pursuant to advertisement in the Review), to take into
consideration the state of trade. Mr. Joseph Grainger,
of Arnold, was called to the chair. Mr. SEARS and
Mr. KERRY, of helper, proposed the first resolution, to
the folowing effect :-
Ist. " That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the forma-
tion of a trace union is necessary for the support of the frame-
work-knitting trade, because of its utility, first, as to strength
—secondly, as a defence—and thirdly, as a reserve for support."
The latter, in enforcing this resolution, made some
excellent and pertinent remarks, on the importance of
union in respect to their individual privileges, seeing
that it had been able to effect so much in a national and
political point of view; he also dwelt upon the increased
demand likely to result from a more liberal commercial
policy of the Reformed Parliament. The resolution, after
some other speakers had been heard, was carried unani-
mously, as were also those afterwards proposed. The
next resolution was

2d. "That the statement of 1828 be the object contended for
—first, because it is regainable as our just rights, never
having bcen repealed—secondly, because we have as good a
hope to expect something from the new representatives as the
hosiers have—and thirdly, from the present prospects of the
trade."

In support of this proposition, the delegate from Crich
(whose name has escaped us) urged upon the meeting the
necessity of perseverance and of firmness, and in seconding
it, Mr. LILLY, from Sheepshead, instanced the advance
which the framework-knitters of Earl Shilton had already
obtained by union. It was next resolved,
3d. "That a deputation be appointed from this meeting to
wait upon the hosiers, and that the statement of be asked
for; and also, that such cautious steps be taken as shall be ne-
cessary."

The names of those regularly deputed from district
meetings were then called, and the delegates made their re-
port as to whether unions had been formed, which was
the case in some places; in others they were forming,
and in but very few did it appear that their importance
had not been fully appreciated. It was also stated that
the desire to demand the price of 1828 was universal.
Delegates were in attendance from Arnold, Caythorpe,
Burton Joyce, Kimberley, Lowdham, Hucknall Tot kard,
Carlton, Sutton B9nington, B tsford, and Oxton, in this
county ; from Belper, Crich, Altreton, Cotmanhay,
Ilkeston, South Wingfield, Little Eaton and Duffield,
Hursley Woodhouse and Smalley, and from South Nor-
manton in Derbyshire; and from Sheepsbead and Earl
Shilnn, in Leicestershire.

A deputation of three members was then chosen to
solicit the return to the statement of 1828, and the
following revolution was passed

4th. aThat these resolutions be now printed, and that the
deputation do wait upon the hosiers next Monday, February
4th, and following days."

It was agreed thiit another general meeting should be
held, to receive the answer of the deputation, on that day
fortnight, Monday, Feb. 11.

The following letter caused particular attention :
Hinckley, Jan. 26, 1833.

Sir,—l have taken the liberty to acquaint you of the advance
that has taken place in this town and its vicinity, in the coarse
cotton branch :-3d. per dozen on hose and half-hose in and
under 3s. per dozen ; 6d. per dozen on all sorts of hose and half-
hose, above 3s. per dozen, under twenty.four gage ; in and
above twenty-four gage, 6d. per dozen, on boys' and girls' hose;
6d. per dozen on women's ; and 6d per dozen on half-hose ;
Is. per dozen on men's, in twenty-four gage upwards. The
above advance was paid universally to-day (Saturday),
and whatever advance may be obtained at Nottingham, the
manufacturers of this town are willing to pay. As you are
not cioctuaintorl with the prices in the coarse cotton branch, I
have made the following remarks ;
Leads. Price.
In 24 gage... 106
110
114
We consider that we are something better off, as respects leads
and price, than you are in general. You cannot establish your
prices without union, therefore I would recOrornend that unions
be formed in each town in the three counties, for the protection
of labour; in this town we have a fund of nearly 400/., there-
fore we are enabled to prevent any infringement being made on
the prices paid by the principal manufacturers.
I am, &c. THOMAS IRELAND.

VOLUNTARY CHURCH ASSOCIATION.-
On Tuesday night, a numerous meeting of this Society
was held in Broughton-place Chapel, for the purpose of dis-
seminating information on the principles they held, and
the means by which they proposed to carry their object
into effect. The Chapel was crowded in every part, and
on the platform we observed many of the more distin-
guished among our Dissenting ministers together with
several laymen. About half-past six the meeting was
constituted by the Rev. Dr. PEDDIK being called to the
Chair, amidst the applause of the meeting. Tile Rev.
Mr. CLEGISORN luoing opened the meeting by prayer,
many able speeches were delivered, and the assembly did
not bleak up till a late hour.—Edinburgli Evening
Courant.

A gallant son of Mars and a youthful lass
were on Saturday last about to be united, at a 'wish
church not 100 miles from Chippenham, in the bands of
Hymen, and the ceremony had proceeded even as far as
placing the ring on the finger of the bride, when grand-
papa appeared, and forbade any further proceeding until
the arrival of the mother of the fair one. Mother arrived
on Wedne,day, withdrew her objections, and the cere-
mony was completed.—Devizes Gazette.

ROYAL BON MOT.—At a late soiree at the
Pavilion, a round game was introduced. A certain gal-
lant Admiral, being a loser, begged for change for a sove-
reign, having no silver in his purse. "Go to Prince
TALLEY," said an illustrious personage (the French Am-
bassador being of the party) ; "he is the only person to
CHANGE A SOVEREIGN."

BURNING SPRINGS.—Ten miles south of
Fort Plain, on the Erie Canal, 42 miles west of Shenec-
lady, there is a spring of water which has all the appear.
ance of a stream of living fire, even by daylight. The
' flames are caused by the evolution from the water of large
quantities of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, which instantly
ignites on coining into contact with the open air. There
is a similar spring on the Canada side of the Niagara.
RUMOURED DEATH OF THE SHERIFF OF
WATERFORD.—We are most happy to state that the ru-
mour of the death of JOIIN O'SHEE, E-1., of Garden-
morris, High Sheriff of the county of Waterford, occa-
sioned by injuries received by a fall from his horse, as
stated in the Tipperary Free Press,, is not correct.
Some time since, however, Mr. O'SIrEE, when out bunt-
ing, had occasion very severely to punish his horse, and
on returning home, no sooner had Mr. O'SHEE alighted
from him than the horse, with most •xtraordtnary vindic-
tiveness, more resembling the sagacity of an elephant than
that of any other animal, rushed with distended jaws at
Mr. O'SHEE, and seized him by the head; fortunately,
however, a strong hunting-cap saved him from more
than a few slight bruises, and he escaped into a house close
by. The enraged animal then turned his fury upon the
whipper-in of Mr. O'SHEE, who rushed up to save his
master; be seized him in his teeth, broke his arm, dashed
him upon the ground, and pawed and trampled him.
Not satisfied with having thus wreaked his vengeance
upon the poor whipper-in, he then turned upon THONIAS
WHITE, El., one of Mr. O'SIIEE's friends, who had
been bunting with him, and who fortunately had been
well mounted, and had not as yet quitted his saddle. Mr.
WrirrE set spurs to flank, and fled at full speed, pursued,
to the astonishment of all beholders, by the enraged ani-
mal. Mr. WHITE, being a very superior horseman, led
an admirable steeple chase across the country of upwards
of two miles : but finding his pursuer gain ground upon
him, had barely time to save himself and horse in a farm.
house, and secure the door. The furious animal rushed
full tilt against the door, and made several attempts to get
it open, but was at length secured. We understand that
whenever Mr. O'SFIEE now enters the stable, the animal
becomes outrageous, and makes strenuous efforts to attack
him,.;.--Steacares Dispatch.