The daily gazette., 1878-07-10
our PARIS LITTER. BIackmaiIed by Beauty

COLLECTION OF SHIPS FROM THE
CANOE OF THE SAVAGE ITO THE
THREE DECKER OF RECENT NAVAL
wARFARE-A3 80 FEET MODEL OF THE
SUEz CANAL, ETC, ETC.
(From our regular Correspondent
Although the brilliant novelties of the
Exhibition are calculated to attract the
attention ofParisians, this city contains
objects of art that are equally interesting
to foreigners. There exists in the palace
OF the Louvre most complete collection
Of models OF vessels from the time of
Louis XIV down To the present period,
including those of the galleys of the
earlier epoch down to the modern iron
elads, and embracing the majestic vessels
which preceded the latter. One of kthe
halls contains the sculptures of the cele-
brated Puget, the war galley the Solicit
Royal, and the elegant chebeque. The
epoch of Louis XIV, in which the best
vessels appeared, it also represented, as
well as that of the first Empire, with all
| its types, from the three-decker to the
gunboat, as well as the special vessels of
the camp of Boulogne. Details of the
ornament ofthe vessels are also exhibit
ed, as well as the nautical instruments
for reckoning speed aud longitude aud
| latitude. To the models have recently
been added some water color drawings
of remarkable exactitude, and which,
from their delicacy of outline, are better
for portraits of vessels than oil-paintings.
They have been executed by a distin-
guished artist, and comprise the period
1910 down to the present day. The
small library contains among other cur
ious objects some clever designs and an
immense manuscript accompanied with
plans, ON the art of constructing galleys,
} dating from the time of Louis XIV.
Models of light houses, ,beacons and buoys
: have been made and exhibit one of the
most useful conquests of modern science
industry.
The speciality ofworks of maratime
art has given rise to the idea of accom-
lpanying each model with a des cription
explaining the purpose for which each
object is intended, its construction, its Pc
. culiarities, andmore especially, its di-
, mensions unknown TO landsmen. Thus,
for instance, model of an ancient vessel
shows from its description that the origi-
, nal was 10 #. long, weighed 100000
klos., and that it spread more than 1000
square metres of sail. Also, near each
vessel are written its dimensions, num-
Der Of cannons, its provisions, stores, and
the weight of each group ofobjects for its
ornament. The launching and towing
apparatus are also represented as well as
the interior details Of its construction. a
7 numerous collection has also been COM
! pleted of boats and pirogues used in 9th
er than European waters; such are the
Arab, Indian, Malay, Cochin Chinese
Japanese, and all the craft used in tn,
islands Of the Pacific.
r That collection is already historical in
' asmuch as the majority of its types hav
: already disappeared before European IN
fluence, and their value to antiquaries il
the future cannot be too highly estlms
- ted, since they will obviate the laborlou
researches by which vain attempts hav
been made to explain the constructio
of the ancient triremes and quinquel
y emes, or the ships of St Louis and Chri.
topher Columbus.
The greatest work of modern tlmei
the Suez ship canal, is too remarkable !
!. its execution, and its influence on th
trade of the world, not to deserve plac
in this museum. 1t is represented wit
great exaetitude by a model 80 feet lonl
and feet broad, accompanied by prin
a | cd DESCRIPTION. By the side of the moo
ell are those of the machinery used i
L | cutting the canal.
The chronological and Chinese mus
| ums also contain some curosities whlc
4 merit examination. Among others ma
be named a collection Of engravin,
made with very small resources but whic
proves of what historic utility It ou
become if the creator of it should receiy
liberal aid. 1t consists OF thirty-six plat'
re presenting the exact plans and mea
) urements with the rigging and sails
ships of Japan and Cochin China, DAMS
vessels, and some, of the old types
those Of France and other countries
Europe which have now almost entire
disappeared. Among these are the ps
laccas and luggers Of which there W
soon remain only the names In the di
ticnaries.
1t Is time that measures should be
- ken to preserve these models. Admir-
Paris, the present curator Of the mus
um, has requested that an appeal Pc ma.
to all constructors and satlors who
preciate their art, begging them TO- col
municate to him their plans, system
sails, figures, Is well ss the history, VIII
there is. oppbrt,tnfty for this, Of vess'
of war or OF commerce, bOats or canoe
!, in order that each may, bring the tribu
\. of his name and labor to q icomm'
work to preserve for future generatio
I'M record of what has been done previo
o4 Icin tho infrndnrtinn QfAa1
ers. If those who are interested in I
. developement Of naval architecture "
=. visit this museum, they will find mu
that will be of special value to them; b
for some years past there has been
u much travelling by sea that much lare
NJ, class than those merely who have a te'
nical acquaintance with ships, may spe
l.. |. l,1., mi