The Florida agriculturist., 1889-03-27


cal forms for some moments, and were
visible at great distance by day OF
night, being illuminated in the latter
case by electric light. The length and
frequency of these jets were regulated
by an instrument in the directors room.
Thus, by means of long and short puffs,
with the proper use of intervals, a mes
sage could be projected into the air as a
telegraphic instrument would mark it
upon paper
In this manner Crab A was ordered to
Immediately proceed to the attack of
the Scarabaeus The almost submerged
vessel steamed rapidly from behind her
consort, and made for the British man.
of-war
When the latter vessel perceived the
approach of this turtle backed object,
squirting little jets of black smoke as she
replied to the orders from the repeller
there was great amazement on board
The crab had not been seen before, but
as it came rapidly on there was no time
for curiosity or discussion, and several
heavy guns were brought to bear upon
it. It was difficult to hit a rapidly NOV
ing fiat object scarcely above the surface
of the water; and although several shot
struck the crab, they glanced off without
in the least interfering with it's progress.
| Crab A soon came SO near the Scara-
bBus that it was impossible to depress
the guns of the latter so as to strike her.
The great vessel was, therefore headed
toward its assailant, and under full
head of steam dashed directly at it to
run it down. But the crab could turn as
upon pivot, and shooting to one side
allowed the surging man-of-war topassit.
Perceiving instantly that it would be
difficult to strike this nimble and almost
submerged adversary, the commander of
the Scarab@us thought it well to let. it
alone for the present, and to bear down
with all speed upon the repeller But it
was easier to hit the crab than to leave
it behind. Itwas capable of great speed,
and, following the British vessel, it
| quickly came up with her.
The course of the Scarabeus was in
stantly changed, and every effort was
made to get the vessel into position to
run down the crab. But this was not
easy for SO large a ship, and Crab A
seemed to have no difficulty in keeping
close to her stern.
Several machine guns especially adapt
ed for firing at torpedo boats, or any hos
tile craft which might be discovered
close to vessel, were now brought to
bear upon the crab, and ball after ball
was hurled at her. Some of these struck,
but glanced off, without penetrating her
tough armor.
These maneuvers had not continued
long when the crew of the crab was ready.
to bring into action the peculiar apparl-
atus of that peculiar craft. An enormous
pair Of iron forceps, each massive limb
of which measured twelve feet or more in
length, was run out in front Of the crab
at depth of six Or eight feet below the
surface. These forceps were acted upon
| by an electric engine of immense power,
by which they could be shut, opened,
| projected, withdrawn or turned and
| twisted
The crab darted forward, and in the
next instant the great teeth of her pin
GERS were fastened with tremendous
grip upon the rudder and rudder post of
| the Scarabeus.
Then followed a sudden twist, which
sent thrill through both vessels, crash,
backward jerk, thesnapping of chain,
and in a moment the great rudder, with
half Of the rudder port attached, was
torn from the vessel, and as the forceps
1 -