The Sun.
London, England, 1857-08-25 00:00:00

T FIB BLACK BALL OLIPAR SHIP

LIGHTNING.

Since the introduction of steam machinery as a
maritime propulsive power, we have been ac-
customed to look to and depend upon it as the only
means of making rapid and safe voyages. Sailing
vessels were looked down upon as means of transit
miserably below the progress and spirit of the age.
But the improvements which have of late years
been made in the construction of sailing ships has
forced them again into notice, and in many in-
stances has enabled them to compete successfully,
both in speed and safety, with some of the bast
steamers.

The Lightning, clipper ship, belonging to Mes
James Baines and Co., which is at present embark-.
ing troops for India, is a very fine specimen of the
latter class of vessels, and though entirely depen-
dent for her motive power upon the caprice of the
winds and waves, has nevertheless contrived on
several occasions to outstrip in speed some of our
best steamers engaged in the same trade and run-
ning the same track between this and the anti-
podes.

The Lightning was built in the spring of 1854
by Mr. Donald Mackay, of Boston, and is there-
fore comparatively speaking, quite a new ship'.
Though large she is by no means one of those
monsters of the deep which, like mountain scenery,
are only interesting and worth seeing on account
of their vastness and bulk. She is but 1,468 tong
office register; and yet for speed, elegance of build,
and general trimness she is probably unequalled by
any sailing ship afloat. Her length from stem to
stern;is but 246 feet and her extreme breadth but 44 ;
but from the great height of her slender spars, and
the yacht-like trim of her hull, the impression con-
veyed on appoaching her is that of a vessel at least
one-third larger, presenting an extraordinary con-
trast to the great American wonder, the Niagara,
which in spite of her immense tonnage, at a short
distance does not look anything larger than the
Lightning. Her accommodation for passengers ig
very extensive ; the principal saloon is eight
six feet long, and is fitted up in the most eed
out and tasteful manner, and in order to give
the appearance at least of coolness, which mush
be very acceptable during the summer parts 01
the voyage, white and gold comprise almost
the whole of the decorations. Her 'tween deck aO-
- for second class and intermediate
passengers is 176 feet long, 40 feet broad, and 8
toet high, being more lofty than any ship afloat.
The appliance for securing an adequate supply
of water to the passengers—a most necessary
considers tion during a long voyage is vat
extensive—she carries iron tanks capable 05
holding 36,000 gallons. The height of the main-
mast from the deck to the truck is 157 feet, while
her main yard is quite equal in dimensions to that
of a first rata linedof •battle ship, being 95 feet long.
The total cost of the vessel was about 30,0001., but
the wonderful rapidity of her voyages out and horn°
between this and Australia has amply repaid the
enterprising owners for the great outlay which was
incurred in her construction. As a sailing
ship she has made some of the smartest 111.,_ns
on record,' on one occasion accomplishing the
extraordinary distance of 430 nautical miles in
24 hours, being au average speed of about 18
knots an hour. In seven consecutive days she rail
2,188 nautical miles, being about 327 miles a day'
an average speed of a little more than 14 knots an
hour for the whole time. At the beginning of the
present month the Lightning completed her fifth
voyage, though only built three years. The dery
tion of her voyage has varied from 63 to 83 daisy,
the average being a little over 70.
She is at present in the Government employ-.
meut, and is about proceeding to India with the 7ti.`,
Husssars, and detachments of other regiments,
all numbering about 650 men. The whole of the..
alterations which were rendered necessary by 13e'•
transformation from a packet to a troop ,ship har°
been completed, and she is now in 'a fit condition
to receive her complement of men, who will pre,"
teed on boartl her during the course of to-day and
to morrow. The extreme height of her 'tween decks,
where the men will be accommodated, render her,
particularly well adapted for the conveyance e'
troops to the burning climate of the East Indies.
Yesterday the owners, Messrs. James Baines and
Co., invited a large party of ladies and . gentlemen
to inspect the ship previous to her departure from
Gravesend (which will take place during the -week),
and on the occasion a grand dejeuner was given on.
board, at which some of the officers of the 7th Sus'
ears, who will proceed in her, were present. The
entertainment
ve
o,co
Ipck the visitorsvassedofflitlie
returnedre at festivity,t
ot
orro
an d
about five
by - special train, all expressing ,themselveS
highly gratified with the arrangements made
on t,o.ird for the comfort and convenience of the
soldiers. The owners are, under' contract that the
yes-el shall not exceed 40 days on the patsy-era
voyage. Not the least- interesting episode in the
proceedings of the day was the embarking of a re-
giment of the Dragoon Guards on board the screw'
steamer City of Manchester, which was moored
alongside the Lightning. The troops cheered the
visitors most heartily as they left the ship in the
steam tug for the railway station, which, it is need-
less to say, was as heartily responded to.

FLOATING COLLEGE FOR NATIVE
IIVST_RUCTION.

The following has been issued as a prospectus for
the establishment of a "Floating College for Naval
Instruction and Marine Engineering," for the ede"
cati 'rt. of those destined to follow the mercantile
marine as a profession. The project has cicited
much interest among the members of Lloya'e,
especially those who are shipowners ; and it er
pears to be the general opinion that an establish"
meat, such as that contemplated, if catriea
properly into effect, could not fail in eventually
exercising a beneficial influence on the mercantile
marine of the country.
"To her naval and maritime resources, Great
Britain has long been indebted for her wealth and
position as a nation; therefore everything conducive
to their improvement and extension, claims support
as a national benefit. The perfection to which
shipping and machinery have now been brought,
admits of little improvement ; but, as concerns the
education of those destined to follow the mercantile
marine as a profession, the above undertaking, i!
_is hoped, will meet the approval and rapport of all
enlightened minds, as it will enable pupils joining,
this college to acquire a thorough practical and
scientific knowledge of their profession, under the
most talented preceptors, previously to entering
the service for which they are intended.
" The establishment of this college has been pro-
posed for the following reasons :

" Ist. That nothing of the kind exists ; and thil‘
the ebtablishment of a seminary at which the
quah-
fi.ations of a marine engineer and thorough seaman
could be obtained, would be most desirable in a
great commercial and maritime nation like Britain.
2d. That while the Royal Navy has its schools,
bothiloating and stationary, there exists no oppor"
tunity for a highly respectable and enterprising
portion of the community to acquire the qualifica-
tions offered, unless they enter the naval service
and as the commercial and pacific, constitutes a
large portion of the productive and standing
wealth of the country, to every well-
wisher of its future prosperity, such an under'
taking should be hailed with congratulation.
3d. That on inspection of the branches of education
proposed to be taught, viz., navigation, marine
engineering, gunnery, the higher mechanics, and
collateral sciences,this body, our commercial marine,
would be qualified to assume an important position
in the event of national hostilities ;3 an arm of
i
power, which from its intelligence, would be n"
vincible, and which, at the present moment does
not exist.

The undertaking having been submitted and re-
ceived the approval of the highest authorities, it is
intended to fit out a first-class ship, with auxiliary
steam power replete with every comfort and con'
venience, as a floating college, for a limited
number of pupils who, in addition to their ordinary
education, will have an opportunity of acquiring
practical instruction (the vessel cruising for the
purpose), in navigation, marine engineering, 11
branch of the service rapidly extending, gunnel-Y.,
&c. ; as also of attending lectures on such other
sciences as are likely to be of use to them in folio-W-
-ing their profession
ic;to,awrahmeirlaeednsdittiecrsltio
aan•tshdeombotwsaenilnevrecsse:atfi;
cases will then be qualified hi every respect to talc?
lt
althoughisaf pa
to appointment
toei
merchant
reeiwri
aanktepsewriveleg offfers an excellent
amffeoarndss nofonaecciollif trhinegother advantages,scientific, enr,
e 0 seamenshi
tal mor il, which are hold out by his college. •`"
would be highly advantageous to many to pursuethi.
course of study, if not even destined to follow it as
a profession, as it would imparr, health and hardi-
ness to tl e constitution, and such information as
would be ever pre-eminently useful in any part °f
the globe. The officev, petty officers, and crew,
as also the preceptors in their various depa.rtmentsl
will be selected from those possessing the highes
testimonials and scientific attainments ; not wil
their; elioious or sanitary interests bejost sight of,
as a clriplain and experienced esurgeon will be
at-
tached to the ship. The most perfect discipline
will be maintained, and every eocouragemei
offered to talent and perseverance. As soon as the
willrequiredb e put
in i
numberizainoedt
japtt9spcilesmmareis,seinente.red, the' 8102