orth again when the proper heat
has been obtained.

Behind are the cutting and boring machines, to each of which is
attached a gang of five or six men. Here the plates, when cool, obtain
the desired form, and are bored from corner to corner with two
parallel rows of holes for admitting the rivets. They are now in
readiness for the rivetter at work upon the ship's side, to whom they
are borne on the shoulders of labourers employed for the purpose.

Descending to the water's edge, we were shewn an immense mass of
uprights--inverted arches of angle-iron--the framework of a hull
intended to float 1500 tons of merchandise. Being in a chrysalis
state, it afforded us little enlightenment, so we passed on to an
adjoining one of similar dimensions, proceeding rapidly towards
completion. Here the secrets of the trade--if there be any--lay
patent, as the several branches of skilled labour were seen in
thorough working order. On 'stages,' as the workmen call them, or
temporary wooden galleries passing from stem to stern, and rising tier
above tier, were the rivetters 'with busy hammers closing rivets up,'
and keeping the echoes awake with their ceaseless, and, to
unaccustomed ears, painful din. The rivet-boys, alike alarmed and
amused us, as they leaped from gallery to gallery with fearless
agility, brandishing their red-hot bolts, and replying in imp-like
screechings to the hoarse commands of their seniors. The decks were
filled with carpenters, the cabins with joiners, the rigging with
painters, and all with seeming bluster and confusion: only seeming,
however, for on attentive examination everything was found to be
working sweetly, and under a superintending vigilance not to be
trifled with or deceived with impunity.

The ground-area of these works is of great extent, running parallel
with the banks of the river, and flanked by the buildings lately
visited. Between 400 and 500 workmen are employed upon the premises;
labourers' wages rating 10s. and 12s. weekly; and those of skilled
artisans ranging from 16s. to 23s. A small steam-engine, kept in
constant motion, contributes to the lightening of toil, and the
division of labour is practised wherever it can be done with
advantage. With these facilities at command, no time is lost in the
execution of orders, nor would present circumstances permit such
extravagance, as a contract for 6000 tons of shipping must be
fulfilled before midsummer. The vessel about to be launched, 1500