Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24
PeriIs of Sea Diving.

n.
ing aft along the bottom, in sixty feet of water,
when he suddenly signalled for more air, and
though the pressure was instantly increased,
two more signals for ''air" and ITO come up," fol
lowed in rapid succession, and then ceased all
reply to signals given. Thinking the fault was
in the air pump the speed was increased until
pipe bursting near the engine showed that the
hose was foul Then they shouted to the other
diving party. in row-boat, at a little distance,
to come to the rescue. That diver was brought
up by his tenders, and they recommended rowing
for the steamer Meanwhile, Harris made no
response to tie anxious signalling of his tenders,
and they had tried in vain to haul him up-the
life line" was also foul. The pump was kept
slowly in motion, and we knew that no air was
reaching hin.. The row boat was coming as
fast as possible, but thought it never would
arrive. At last, they came alongside. The di-
yer's helmet was closed, strong hands worked
rapidly and silently, and in an instant he was
lowered out of sight the hose of his suffocating
companion in his hand; there was an in erval
of two or three minutes of fearful suspense, in
which no word was spoken by any of the score
of men gathered there, save one whisper-"lt
must be too late" Suddenly, second column
of rising air bubbles appeared" "lhe hose Is
cleared-he has air." several voices spoke ca.
gerly. Then followed the signal for rising, and
up they come, poor Harris all stark and motion
less "Stop the pump, be is dead" said one,
unscrewng the eye-glass through which he saw
the ghastly countenance and frothy lips. But
the cold air striking his livid face, the eyeds
half opened and closed again. "He is alive!"
they all cried joytully, and removing the un.
slightly helmet and dashing water on his head
and breast, he pre-, emily began TO breathe per
ceptibly, and after an hours diligent rubbing
from as many strong and willing hands as could
get around him he began to come to conscious
ness. He suffered great pain for hours IN the
read and breast, but is now altogether recov-
cred. and diving as usual. On the whole
it was such an occurrence Us hope may not
happen here again that ten minutes, in which
We had the Consciousness that a man was dying
for want of assistance which we could by no
means give, cannot think of without shuJ
der. TIE huse had got fast under port cover
in such way as to cut off the air suddenly and
entirely. The life line was fast on some old
rigging down in the mud under the bottom OF
the ship, where he had crawled in his Jealous
search after holes Or injuries. He owes his life
10 the cooness and Gexterty of tho other diver,
who providentially followed the hose and clear
ed it before descending to him, thus giving him
air two minutes sooner than he could otherwise
have received it and it came late enough!
The diving dress is of gutta percha or rubber
cloth, large and loose, in one piece. pants boots,
waiscoat and sleeves, into which the diver Is
inserted from the Top by his tenders after sub
stituting heavy flannel drawers, socks, &C., for
the ordinary apparel. Once tucked into this
ample casing, the head is covered with close tit-
ting wooden cap. the breast plate, and helmet
of iron put on the latter hollow globe, much
larger, of course than the head, and provided
with three little windows, grated and glazed,
called eyeglasses; the front one is always open
while dressing. The upper part OF the dress is
now fastened to the breast-plate, being placed
between its edge, and covering metallc rim,
which is then firmly screwed to its place by
means of wrench, making the connection wa
ter-tight Heavy cowhide brogans with soles
of lead three quarters of an inch thick, strong
rubber rings tor the wrist, which prevents wa
ter from entering the sleeve, and the grdle OF
shot, weighing some seveDty-hve pounds, COM
plete the tiriDg. The life line is tied round the
waist, the sheath knife placed in his belt, the
pump is started, eye glass screwed ln and ne Is
ready to descend. The dress beirg now filled
with air, the slapeless body and the limbs OF
the monster swelling to size lifting thar OF the
head, make altogether llde"us Inquire. whlch
YOU are not sorry to see vanish out OF sight,
wondering what sort OF reception the inershaids
will give him it he tails in their way. (rhe fish
are not afraid of them-they sometimes br'ng
up a pocket tull) The hose which supplies his
air is of half an inch bore, and attached to the
helmet Just at the bump OF sell esteem. The
escape valve is below it. The lifeline, by
which signals are transmitted, is passed through
/ tho ulusS that The SIiDIf-
est motions are telt. lie usually descends part
of the way, at least, on a rope ladder, but Is
sometimes lowered by the life line from the tirst
The pressure of air is gradually increased as he
goes lower, more force being required, of course
TO supply the air. If the pump is worked By
hand. it requires four men to tend 1.-TWO OF
them turning at once, and frequently changing
Two "tenders" stand by one holding the hose,
and the other the lite line; the latter literally
holding the Divers life in his hands, as any in
attention to the signals frequently might cause
his death. Once ON the bottom, or on the ship
our thurman walks about or works as elsewhere.
Our divers for months past have averaged per-
haps four and a half hours under water and
hard at work, per diem. They haze frequently,
however been down six and even eight hours
in water from thirty 10 sixty feet deep. They
can descend one hundred and fifty feet, but do
not like to work deeper than one hundred feet
the increased pressure sensibly affecting the
head at greater Depth The larger pay which
divers receive, and the extra accommodations
which they have on board here, made all the
furecastle men anxious to enlist when recruit
was required; but very many were obliged TO
give it up on single trial, while Others, Qlke
Harris) went regularly to work from the first
day. They all have state rooms to sleep in, and
a place at the mates table; and, for some OF
them, who have always been sailors before
the mast at $40 or $l5 per month, with fore
castle fare, the change, including triple pay,
makes quite favorable turn OF fortune.
GooD.-On q certain occasion the counsel
took some exception to the ruling of the court
on a certain point, and dispute arose.
81 ,lo eo;1 tba onppsa1 tI nj, IN