e proposed my theory
of the greater carrying power and accommodation, both for cargo and
passengers, that would be gained by constructing the new vessels of
increased length, without any increase of beam. I conceived that they
would show improved qualities in a sea-way, and that, notwithstanding
the increased accommodation, the same speed with the same power would
be obtained, by only a slight increase in the first cost. The result
was, that I was allowed to settle the dimensions; and the following
were then decided on: Length, 310 feet; beam, 34 feet; depth of hold,
24 feet 9 inches; all of which were fully compensated for by making the
upper deck entirely of iron. In this way, the hull of the ship was
converted into a box girder of immensely increased strength, and was, I
believe, the first ocean steamer ever so constructed. The rig too was
unique. The four masts were made in one continuous length, with
fore-and-aft sails, but no yards,--thereby reducing the number of hands
necessary to work them. And the steam winches were so arranged as to
be serviceable for all the heavy hauls, as well as for the rapid
handling of the cargo.

In the introduction of so many novelties, I was well supported by Mr.
F. Leyland, the junior partner of Messrs. Bibby's firm, and by the
intelligent and practical experience of Captain Birch, the overlooker,
and Captain George Wakeham, the Commodore of the company. Unsuccessful
attempts had been made many years before to condense the steam from the
engines by passing it into variously formed chambers, tubes, &c., to be
there condensed by surfaces kept cold by the circulation of sea-water
round them, so as to preserve the pure water and return it to the
boilers free of salt. In this way, "salting up" was avoided, and a
considerable saving of fuel and expenses in repairs was effected.

Mr. Spencer had patented an improvement on Hall's method of surface
condensation, by introducing indiarubber rings at each end of the
tubes. This had been tried as an experiment on shore, and we advised
that it should be adopted in one of Messrs. Bibby's smallest steamers,
the Frankfort. The results were found perfectly satisfactory. Some 20
per cent. of fuel was saved; and, after the patent right had been
bought, the method was adopted in all the vessels of the company.

When these new ships were first seen at Liverpool, the "old salts" held
up their hands. They were too long! they were too sharp! t