Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-07-21
u ow a sunmarlne plyer works.

WRECK, Whicn lA Indicated Dy tue tops VI
three masts taperng few feet above
the surface. II is not certain yet that
the vessel can be saved, and before work
is begun survey Of her bottom must be
made by divers. We have noticed a
stalwart fellow on the tug, WHO has a
courageous face and thick.set frame.
He is one Of the divers, who of all sea-
men have the strangest experiences.
They go deep beneath the sea, separated
only by a. thread from death. Watch
this man as he dons his submarine armor
and prepares TO descend into the water.
Over suit Of thick fannels he puts
pair Of trousers and a jacket made from.
lndia-rubber cloth. These lit close to
the ankles, wrists, and across the chest
Next he thrusts his head through a cop
per breast.plate provided with grooves,
into which the body Of the jacket is fitted
and screwed down by an attendant
The head is then covered by helmet,
with glass face, which is also screwed
to the helm et-helmet and breaet plate
weighing together about 6ity.six pounds.
Twenty-eight pounds more are added to
this burthen by a pair of shoes with
leaden soles, and thus equipped the diver
resembles neither man nor fish. Agpear
sighted naturalist might puzzle over him
for hours without finding out to which
species he belongs so monstrous does he
appear. And it is not surprising that
the sharks themselves are afraid of the
divers, and flee incontinently if one of
their arms be outstretched.
The extreme weight of the diver is ia
tiguing above water, and he is glad to
embark in the surf-boat, which is launch
ed from the tug to convey him nearer
the wreck than she dare approach. A
few strokes of the oar bring the survey
ing party directly over the sunken yes
sci, and the final preparations for the
descent are made. You and / watch
breathlessly, but the diver thinks very
little about the danger of what he is to
do. One end of coil of strong rubber
tubing is fastened to mouth piece at
the back of the helmet, and the other
end is connected with an air-pump in the
boat. A hempen line is also secured to
the outside Of the helmet, and passes
down the divers right side, within easy
reach of his hand Upon this tubing and
line his life will depend. -Four blocks of
lead, weighing fifty pounds, are now
slung over his shoulders; and water
proof bag, containing hammer, chisel
and a irk-knife, is fastened over his
breast. A short iron ladder is lowered
over the starboard side of the boat, and
the diver heavily climbs down each
round. His weight causes the boat to
dance and rock unsteadily. 1t is very
exciting moment for novice, can tell
YOU. His comrades watch his move
ments attentiyely, and in another mo-
ment he is on the bottom round of the
ladder. Two men stand by the handles
of the air-pump at the other end Of the
boat. All is ready. The diver grasps q
rope to prevent too rapid descent; he
releases the ladder and the green water
swells over and hides him.
Full fathom five he sinks; and as the
sea closes about him, the great weight of
his armor dwindles away, and his move
ments are as free as an athletes.
Smoothly he descends, and soon feels
his feet touching the hard sand. His
foothold is unsteady; for, notwithstand-
ing the weights attached to him, be is
still too bouyant, and once or twice he !
pulls the signal-line for less air. Well |
he knows that unless he supply be right |
ly adjusted he will either be suffocated |
or sent bubbling to the surface feet first. |
But his signals are needed, and his |
tread becomes firm, he glances around
him out of the little window in his he'll
met. Shoals of fish crowd inquisitively
near, and some daringly rub their noses
IL braoot ht1f q Waua Of his
hand drives them off in utmost terror.
A few yards away lies the wreck, bedded
in the sand, and plainly visible in the
green light of the depths. There is as
much light, indeed, as we have on shore
during ordinary foggy weather. The d.
yer approaches cautiously. His great.
est peril is in the tangled rigging and
splinters. which might twist or break the
air-pipe and signal-line. he does not
move a step without first finding out
whether it will lead him, and in good
time he safely reaches the hull. Thus
far he is pleased with the job" the
water il clear, and his feet do not sink
into tie sand. Now be begins his search
for the damages, and works for four or
five hours without interruption, examin-
ing the vessel in every part, and hum
ming lively tune as he moves briskly
about. The water is cold, and If he
loiters he will be chilled; and, moreover,
he understands that industry is the best
cure for the loneliness of his position.
At last, he Signals to ascend, and he is
brought on board the tug boat. The
master wreckers crowd about him for
Can the vessel be savedT' 'She can,
he answers. The planking amidships'
few feet above the keel has been torn
away; but she holds together, and il the
weather is fair she may be afoat again
in two weeks. The diver. having removed
his dress, then calmly sits down to eat,
while preparations are making for
another descent.
An old diver is as comfortable under
water as above, and can do eight hours
work a day in seven or eight fathoms.
As the business is precarious, however,
the men are paid $3.50 month, and sup
piled with board and lodging: Do they
serve an apprenticeship Not exactly
that, but most Of them have been atten,,
dants to other divers, and have picked
up the secrets in that way. i waited on
man myself, and didn't get promoted