Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1853-03-19

oooVe anu DelOW, leavIng out OF view the IN
lcreased area of the working cylinder, is the
same. A pair of these cylinders is placed
leach side the shaft. The power can be In
creased by enlarging the diameter of the
lcylinder. twas originally intended to have
the cylinders of the Ericsson 16 feet in di-
ameter, instead of Ia, as at present. But
it was thought to be impossible to make
them. This increased size would nearly
double the power, and give speed equal to
that OF any ocean steamer. Twelve pounds
pressure Is used to the square inch, and this
Icannot bs exceeded without increasing the
Temperature, which is Objectionable. The
furnace fires are five feet from the bottom of
the cylinder, and cannot burn the cylinder.
One OF these furnace bottoms will last five
years. Anthracite is the best fuel, as it
makes no flame. The cylinder above the
lhres Is l-2 inches in thickness, but is SO
arched as to have great strength. Even
were 1t to break, the contents of the cylinder
would pass off harmlessly There is conse-
quently no expensive steam boiler to be fire.
quently renewed, and no liability to explo-
sion. lfthe engineer got asleep, the engine
would only stop.
| The engine in the E. is of 900 horse pow
er, and not more than seven tons of coal per
day can possibly be consumed In steam
ship of the same power, 60 tons per day
would be a low calculation. Mr. Ericsson
stated further that his ship was started be-
fore she was finished, because it was said to
be dead failure, and the effect was preu-
dicial to the interests of those concerned with
him in the enterprise. But the results had
far exceeded his anticipations. But half a
pound to the square inch was necessary to
start the engines. The weight of the crank
alone was sufficient to do this.
| AS to the comparative expense of running
caloric ship at a high or low rate Of speed
Mr.. E. stated that it was about as cheap, as
far as the engine was concerned, to run ten
miles per hour as less.
Mr.. E. then proceeded to answer various
objections which had been urged relative to
the packing" and oxidation" of the cylin-
der, &C., which he did to the satisfaction of
all, and individuals who had previously been
incredulous as to the probable success of the
Ericsson, acknowledged that all doubt on
their part was now dissipated. Mr.. Ericsson
stated that for twenty-five years he had been
maturing this invention. Many difficulties
naa 04| Professor Fara
day, Alex. Ure, and others, had long since
predicted his success, and he now saw no
practical defect in the engine. 1t would last
much longer than the ship,-the cylinder
bottom was the only part that could wear
out The current expense of running it he
had not estimated, but the difference would
be not more. than one-fifth compared with the
steam-engine. The original cost of the en-
CINE would also be less He was quite GER
tain that it would ultimately be applied to To-
purposes. Its simplicity is one of its most
valuable qualities, the number of parts being
not more than to 20 compared with those
of the steam engine.
1t was principally built by Hogg and Del
amater, though parts were made at Spring
field, Philadelphia and West Point. The
wheels are 30 feet in diameter; the buckets,
10 I-2 long and 20 inches wide. They are
much narrower than usual, but placed closer
together They leave the water very easily.
The stroke of piston is six feet. The hulk
was built by Perrine, Patterson & Stack,
and is considered as an uncommonly fine
model. The tonnage is 22OO tons. The
engine occupies somewhat less space than
the ordinary one, and is regarded as well
adapted to naval vessels, as a clear space
lin the E. of 10 feet) is left on either side of
ii, which would leave room for the manage
ment of guns In the E. the state rooms are
continued throughout the entire length of
the vessel, and number GA. There are, be-
sides, ample decks for freight, as but little
room is required for coal.
The Ericsson, much to the chagrin of the
gentleman whose name 1t bears, IS heated
by steam, there being small apparatus for
the purpose. He had not intended to use
the article in any shape. He is now making
condensing apparatus for the conversion
of salt water to fresh, during long voyages,
for washing, drinking, &c., capable of pro-
ducing from 300 to 400 gallons of pure wa
ter per day. He will thus do away, not only
with large coal-bunkers, but water-tanks,
and voyage may be prolonged to almost
any desired extent.
| During the trip yesterday, but one fire
man and one engineer were employed. The
duty of the former is little else than to grease
the cylinder to prevent chaing, and to see
that the bearings don't get hot. Mr.. K. said
his appropriate name was "greaser. The
fireman has to see that the coal don't burn
out. @
The trip was heartily enjoyed by all on
board, and before leaving the vessel, and at
ter the delivery of sundry speeches, meet
ing was formally organized and appropriate
resolutions adopted.
The occasion was spoken Of as forming
the commencement of new and important
era in navigation, and one that would long
be remembered.
II has not been decided where the Erics-
son will run.-.N. Y Journal Of Commerce,
18th. Jan.
WoRrH REMEMBERING.-Reese Medi-
cal Gazette says: s. In case OF any burn
or scald, however extensive, all the acute
L III M q ai and