ckade of the Canadian port, the British Admiralty
would have but little difficulty in dealing with the American Syndicate.

The most important object was to provide a defence against the
screw-extracting and rudder-breaking crabs; and to this end the Adamant
had been fitted with what was termed a "stern-jacket." This was a
great cage of heavy steel bars, which was attached to the stern of the
vessel in such a way that it could be raised high above the water, so
as to offer no impediment while under way, and which, in time of
action, could be let down so as to surround and protect the rudder and
screw-propellers, of which the Adamant had two.

This was considered an adequate defence against the nippers of a
Syndicate crab; but as a means of offence against these almost
submerged vessels a novel contrivance had been adopted. From a great
boom projecting over the stern, a large ship's cannon was suspended
perpendicularly, muzzle downward. This gun could be swung around to
the deck, hoisted into a horizontal position, loaded with a heavy
charge, a wooden plug keeping the load in position when the gun hung
perpendicularly.

If the crab should come under the stern, this cannon could be fired
directly downward upon her back, and it was not believed that any
vessel of the kind could stand many such tremendous shocks. It was not
known exactly how ventilation was supplied to the submarine vessels of
the Syndicate, nor how the occupants were enabled to make the necessary
observations during action. When under way the crabs sailed somewhat
elevated above the water, but when engaged with an enemy only a small
portion of their covering armour could be seen.

It was surmised that under and between some of the scales of this
armour there was some arrangement of thick glasses, through which the
necessary observation could be made; and it was believed that, even if
the heavy perpendicular shots did not crush in the roof of a crab,
these glasses would be shattered by concussion. Although this might
appear a matter of slight importance, it was thought among naval
officers it would necessitate the withdrawal of a crab from action.

In consequence of the idea that the crabs were vulnerable between their
overlapping plates, some of the Adamant's boats were fitted out with
Gatling and machine guns, by which a shower of balls might be sent
under the scales, through the glasses, and into the body of the crab.
In addition to their guns