Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-05-23

cents for every subsequent insertion.
SHIP BUILDING.
We request the attention Of our scientific rea-
ders to the following communication from the pen
of Commodore Barron, 10 which he explains a
new method Of constructing vessels, which is in
tended to obviate their liability to several dan
sers. A model Of a vessel built on this plan will
be exhibited tomorrow, between the hours Of ten
aud three. at the Merchants Coffee House
The authors mechanical skill and long expert.
snee in such matters entitle his opinions to
general attention. -Psnnsyivo
TO THE PUBLIC.
The properties Of avessel constructed ON the
plan and principle here recommended. are as evi-
dent as any other fact with which we are a'reau!
familiar, and it only requires little rejection 10
reconcile the utility and practicability OF such
structure to our ideas; for it will be found when
put in practice that there are no material
ties attending either the construction or the
management Of vessels OF this description; Tor
if built Of the lighter species OF "ood-such as
white pine, poplar. or any other KIND not exceed
ing these in their specific gravity, they will shew
indispensable quality Of buoyancy for all the pur.
poses for which they are recommended.
Neither white pine nor poplar are more than
four.tenths Of the gravity Of water, consequent
" anv common shaped vessel will, 1t the bottom
part onIv is constructed Of square logs Of this
lumber, float more than one.half Of its bulk above
the surface of the water, which will be sufficient
TO buoy up all the upper works and materials OF
every sort required, aud also allow pits IN the
solid log work for ballast and thanks to contain
the water, provisions. aud stores Of every des-
cription. The boilers, to render them safe, may
be placed on pits in the solid log work.
The log work should be constructed OF sui
fcient heigth from the extreme bottom to hoat
one or more feet above the surface OF the water,
when all the upper works and materials to be
carried are estimated.
It's evident that such o vessel is not liable
to the danger Of being sunk BY the same causes
which occasions that catastrophe to others. and
would be particularly appropriate for all the pur-
poses for which they are recommended-such
as Steamboats,, Steam batteries, Bomb-ships,
Gun boats. Light boats. Beacons, sc. and it is
also believed tnat vessels built this plan will
be cheaper, stronger, lighter, safer. aud last Ion
ger than those constructed as heretofore.
BY an estimate carefully made, the cost ur to
the top Of the solid log work will not exceed hall
the amount of other vessels. Steam. boats on
the western waters, built on this plan, would be
entirely free from many Of the most serious dan
gers that they are now liable to-such as snags,
explosions of the boilers, ice. wrecking by the
power Of the engine, &c. Neither could fire
make such ravages as in hollow vessels for the
top part only Of those built on this plan would
be endangered by this destructive element.
The method proposed for building this des-
cription of craft is aS fullows:-The hrst log
laid will serve for the keel-lav the next tier
crosswise-the next lengthwise, and SO alter
nately until the bulk required be laid; then add
the timbers, by letting them into the sides OF the
solid work. after which proceed With the opera
ton Of planking the vessel as IN other cases
Those logs are to be secured by wooden bolts OF
large size. three or four inches in diameter. aud
but little metal will be required. To preserve
the buoyancy OF these vessels, coat each log with
turpentine and tallow, fill up the inters'ices be-
tween the logs With the same or any other approx
ed water cement, caulk the seams IN the log
work, and coat them also with turpentine and
tallow, which is impervious to water tor great
length of tine.
The vessels should be sheathed for fresh water
service, and coppered over the sheathing Tor salt
water service or for the ocean.
To those who are disposed 10 adopt this mode
of constructing vessels, more particular de-
scription will be furnished.
Patent rights for states, cities. or districts,
NAV be had bv application to the subscriber. post
paid. JAMES BARRON.
United STATES Nary.