The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-07-18

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 diver approaches cautious.
ly. His greatest peril is in the tangled
rigging and splinters, which might twist Oh
break the air-pipe aud signal-line. lie
does not move a step without first finding
out whittier it will lead him, aud in good
time he safely reaches the hull Thus far
he is pleased with the 'job !" the water is
clear and his feet do not sink into the
sand. Now he begins his search for the
damages, and works for four or five
hours without interruption, examining the
vessel in every part, aud humming 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 lone
illness of his position. At last, he signal,
to ascend, and he is brought on board the
tug-boat. The mastcr-wreckers crowd
about him for information.
"Can the vessel be sayed?" "She can,
he answers. The planking amidships, 4
few feet above the keel, has been tori
away but she holds together, and if tn,
weather is fair she may be aaoat again in
two weeks. The diver, having removed
his dress, then calmly sits down to cat,
while preparations are making for another
descent
An old diver is as comfortable under
water as above, and can do eight hours
work day in seven or eight fathoms. Al
the business is precarious, however, the
men are paid $3.50 month, and supplied
with board and lodging. Do they serve
an apprenticeship? Not exactly that, bu
most of them have been attendants to Other
divers, and have picked up the secrets in
that way. 81 waited on a man myself
and didn't get promoted until l knew tn,
service like book, says the diver, as ht
rises and calls for his boy. "All ready
TomP Excuse me now, sir; it's time t.
60 down again" And so he leaves us.
Two other men accompany him in hi;
next descent, and after they have beer
down for an hour or two, they signal to
the men in the boat, and the heavy cable
that We have seen is lowered to them. In
their curious dress, they work together
with will, and drag the massive links Of
iron underneath the hull Of the ship
one length amidships, a second length
astern, and third length forward. This
is slow work, and before it is complete
night has set in, and the divers are brought
TO the surface. Betimes next day il is
resumed, and when the centre Of each
great chain is right under the keel, the
pontoons are towed over the wreck.
Meanwhile, constant communication is
established between the men below and the
men in the boats, by means of the signal.
line Once in about four hours the divers
come to the surface for fresh air aud food.
But these pontoons-what are they2 Let
us pause moment to glance at them.
They are built Of wood, and painted black.
The largest measure 120 feet in length, IS
feet in width, and IA feet in depth. Those
selected for the present case are much
smaller, and three are stationed at each
side Of the wreck to buoy her. In each
pontoon there are several wells, or holes,
running through the centre, from deck to
bottom. Into these the divers insert the
ends Of the three cables, which are drawn
upward by hydraulic power. This part Of
the work costs severe effort and much time,
and when it is done the injured vessel, as
doctor would say, is on the fair way to
recovery. The cables are drawn up through
the wells, link by link, and are tightened
gradually, until the wreck lifts. She rises
slowly, and the pontoons groan from the
weight bearing upon them as they are
drawn nearer to her. For some time yet
she is out of sight but, at last, her deck
is seen dimly through the waves, and soon
afterwards it is above water. The wreck
ers, as we observed, are impassive in their
manner; but they cannot repress their
enthusiasm over the success, and two or
three of the more excitablc burst into
cheers