to anything. Cork was
the buoyant principle in his boat. Greathead suggested a curved keel.
The chairman of the committee modelled a boat in clay which combined
several of the good qualities of each, and this was given to Greathead
as the type of the boat he was to build.

From this time forward lifeboats gradually multiplied. Greathead became
a noted improver and builder of them. He was handsomely rewarded for
his useful labours by Government and others, and his name became so
intimately and deservedly associated with the lifeboat, that people
erroneously gave him the credit of being its inventor.

The Duke of Northumberland took a deep interest in the subject of
lifeboats, and expended money liberally in constructing and supporting
them. Before the close of 1863, Greathead had built 31 boats, 18 for
England, 5 for Scotland, and 8 for foreign countries. This was so far
well; but it was a wretchedly inadequate provision for the necessities
of the case. Interest had indeed been awakened in the public, but the
public cannot act as a united body; and the Trinity House seemed to fall
back into the sleep from which it had been partially aroused.

It was not till 1822 that the great (because successful) champion of the
lifeboat stood forth,--in the person of Sir William Hillary, Baronet.

Sir William, besides being a philanthropist, was a hero! He not only
devised liberal things, and carried them into execution, but he
personally shared in the danger of rescuing life from the raging sea.
Our space forbids a memoir, but this much may be said briefly. He dwelt
on the coast of the Isle of Man, and established a Sailors' Home at
Douglas. He constantly witnessed the horrors of shipwreck, and seemed
to make it his favourite occupation to act as one of the crew of boats
that put off to wrecks. He was of course frequently in imminent danger;
once had his ribs broken, and was nearly drowned oftentimes. During his
career he personally assisted in saving 305 lives! He was the means of
stirring up public men, and the nation generally, to a higher sense of
their duty to those who risk their lives upon the sea; and eventually--
in conjunction with two members of Parliament, Mr Thomas Wilson and Mr
George Hibbert--was the founder of "THE ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR
THE PRESERVATION OF LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK."

This noble Institution--now named THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT
INSTITUTION--was founded on the 4th of March, 1824.