rope well-considered in relation to the questions: How
will this work in a squall?--on a rock?--in the dark?--or in a rushing
tide?--a crowded lock; not to say in a storm?

The internal arrangements of my boat having been fully settled with the
advantage of the canoe experiences, the yacht itself was designed by Mr.
John White, of Cowes--and who could do it better? She was to be first
_safe_, next _comfortable_, and then _fast_. If, indeed, you have two
men aboard, one to pick up the other when he falls over, then you may put
the last of the above three qualities first, but not prudently when there
is only one man to do the whole.

The Rob Roy was built by Messrs. Forrestt, of Limehouse, the builders for
the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and so she is a lifeboat to
begin with. Knowing how much I might have to depend on oars now and
then, my inclination was to limit her length to about 18 ft., but Mr.
White said that 21 ft. would "take care of herself in a squall."
Therefore that length was agreed upon, and the decision was never
regretted; still I should by no means advise any increase of these
dimensions.

One great advantage of the larger size, was that it enabled me to carry
in the cabin of my yawl, another boat, a little dingey {3} or punt, to go
ashore by, to take exercise in, and to use for refuge in last resource if
shipwrecked, for this dingey also I determined should be a lifeboat, and
yet only eight feet long. The childhood of this little boat was somewhat
unhappy, and as she grew into shape she was quizzed unmercifully, and the
people shook their heads very wisely, as they did at the first Rob Roy
canoe. Now that we can reckon about three thousand of such canoes, and
now that this little dingey has proved a complete success and an
unspeakable convenience, the laugh may be forgotten. However, ridicule
of new things often does good if it begets caution in changes, and
stimulates improvement. Good things get even benefit from ridicule,
which may shake off the plaster and paint, though it will not shiver the
stone.

Thoroughly to enjoy a cruise with only two such dumb companions as have
been described, it is of importance that the man who is to be with them
should also be adapted for his place. He must have good health and good
spirits, and a passion for the sea. He must learn to rise, eat, drink,
and sleep, as the water or winds decree, and not his watch. He must have
wits to regard at once