olve
slowly for a minute, while the band strikes up some appropriate air, as
"Afloat on the Ocean my days gaily fly," or "Afloat on the Ocean Wave."
Then commence the wild cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs
while the great paddles have lashed the water into white foam, and we
are fairly off for a fourteen days' voyage home. In all our games on
board in which I took part I noticed the distinguished presence of our
highly respected captain, which I am sure greatly enhanced our takings
in the little dish.

34. _Question._--How is a hydraulic pump constructed?

_Answer._--There are various sizes, ranging from a 1/4-inch to 4 inches
in the diameter of the plunger or piston, as it is sometimes called; the
larger size would be constructed in this manner; the barrel of the pump
is 3 feet long, and on its top, and in line with it, and in the same
casting, an air chamber is situate into which water and air enter at
every suction of plunger, and serve as a buffer or cushion in the
delivery stroke. The spindle of the plunger is connected to the piston
of the steam engine by a hole and stuffing box in the cylinder cover,
and a connecting crosshead secures the spindle of the plunger and the
extra piston, so that would bring the crank of the engine, the
connecting rod, piston, extra piston, and plunger all in a straight
line, and a direct stroke. About 6 inches of the plunger is occupied by
the packing at the outer end; a solid ring of iron an inch wide, and an
inch high, and securely pinned to the plunger, has a leather cup pushed
on to it, then a loose ring is slid up against the back of the leather
cup and another cup, and another ring, until the space for the packing
is filled up; then a nut is screwed up behind these which brings cups
and rings tightly together, and a jam-nut with a split-pin going through
nut and spindle and opened wide enough to clear the sides of the barrel,
and the hydraulic pump is ready for work.

35. _Question._--How is a hydraulic accumulator constructed, and why is
it necessary?

_Answer._--By having an accumulator, a lift, crane, or press, works
smoothly, as there is a steady and smooth supply of the power; whereas
without it, the lift, crane, or press, would work in jerks or jumps;
with every stroke of the pumps there would be a jerk; it would be an
intermittent not a continual power. The accumulator consists of a
cylinder of cast iron about 9 feet in height, 4 feet outside diameter