The Sun.
London, England, 1868-01-02 00:00:00

COLLISIONS AT SEA.

Of the 2,766 collisions which occurred to vessels
on the coasts of the United Kingdom in the eight
years ending 1866, 795 happened by day and 1,971
by night. The increase in the number of collisions
reported from year to year is no doubt partly attri-
butable to au increase in the number of ships fre-
quenting the coasts and narrow adjoining seas ; but
in glancing at the number of casualties under this
head, it is important to notice the different
causes which led to the total loss or partial damage
of such a large number of vessels Out of the
2,766 collisions, 524 happened through a bad look-
out ; the number of collisions from all causes and
the number that occurred through a bad look-
out in each year respectively was 83 and 349 in
1859 ; 71 and 298 in 1860 ; 74 and 323 in 1861; 73
and 338 in 1862, 56 and 331 in 1863, 64 and 351
in 1864, 86 and 354 in 1865, and 87 and 422 in
1866. The average annual number of collisions in
the eight years 1859-66 was 346 ; the average an-
nual number which occurred through a bad look-
out was 74 ; through neglecting to show a proper
light, 19 ; neglect or misapplication of steering and
sailing rules, 68 ; error of pilot, 3 ; want of sea-
manship, 16 ; general negligence and want of cau-
tion, 25 ; so that no less than 205 out of the 346
average annual number of collisions happened from
causes which, by proper care and attention, might
have been prevented. The average annual number
of collisions from want of sea room Was 8, from thick
and foggy weather 18, error in judgment 24, and
from parting cables, dragging anchors, breaking
sheer, and fouling, 40. It may be stated that out
of the 145 collisions which occurred in 1866 between
6 a.m. and 6 p.m., 64 happened wheu the weather
was clear and fine, and 30 when it was thick and
foggy ; and out of 277 collisions which occurred
between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., 102 happened in clear
and fine weather, and 57 in thick and foggy weather.
Of the collisions in each of the years 1859-66, the
number which occurred by day and by night respec
tively wds as follows :-92 and 257 in 1859 ; 94
and 204 in 1860 ; 80 and 243 in 1801 ; 91 and 247
in 1862; il5 and 216 in 1863 ; 88 and 263 in
1864 ; 114 and 240 in 1865 ; and 121 and 301 in
1866. Of the total number of collisions in 1866,
11 occurred between two steam vessels, both
under way ; 169 between two sailing vessels,
both under way ; 85 between two sailing vessels
one under way and one at anchor ; 69 between a
steam vessel and a sailing vessel, both under way ;
11 between a steam vessel and a sailing vessel—
viz., seven when a steam vessel was under way and
a sailing vessel at anchor, and four when a sailing
vessel was uccler way and a steam vessel at anchor ;
and 77 happened through vessels breaking from
anchors or moorings. Of the 2,766 collisions in
the years 1859-66, 373 occurred in January, 341 in
February, 221 in March, 146 in Apiil, 106 in May,
90 iu June, 111 in July, 171 in August, 204 iu
September, 295 in October, 363 iu November, and
345 in December.

111.41IKETS—(2 his Day.)

METROPOLITAN CATTLE•

The supply of beasts here, to-day, being in excess of
the demand, prices of all breeds
gavo way 2d. per Blbs.
compared with Monday. The top figure was ss. per 81bs.
Sheep—the show of which was seasonably good - moved
off heavily, at 2d. per 81bs. less money. The best Downs
and half-breds sold at 4s. 101 per 81b.5. The few calves
on offer wero disposed of at full quotations—viz., from
4s. 4d. to ss. 4d. per 81bs. Prime pigs commanded full
quotations ; but large hogs were very dull. Tho highest
price was 4s. 2d. per 81bs.