ctober 1842, leaving an example of
self-devoting courage in the hour of danger, and self-denying heroism in
the hour of temptation, that may well be admired and imitated by those
whose duty it is to man the lifeboat and launch to the rescue on the
stormy waves, in all time to come.

LIFEBOATS.

A lifeboat--that is to say, the lifeboat of the present time--differs
from all other boats in four particulars. It is _almost_
indestructible; it is insubmergible; it is self-righting; it is
self-emptying. In other words, it can hardly be destroyed; it cannot be
sunk; it rights itself if upset; it empties itself if filled.

The first of these qualities is due to the unusual strength of the
lifeboat, not only in reference to the excellence of the materials with
which it is made, but also to the manner in which the planks are laid
on. These cross one another in a diagonal manner, which cannot be
easily described or explained to ordinary readers; but it is sufficient
to say that the method has the effect of binding the entire boat
together in a way that renders it much stronger than any other species
of craft. The second quality--that of insubmergibility--is due to
air-chambers fixed round the sides of the boat, under the seats, and at
the bow and stern. These air-cases are sufficiently buoyant to float
the boat even if she were filled to overflowing with water and crowded
to her utmost capacity with human beings. In short, to use an
expression which may appear paradoxical, she can carry more than she can
hold--has floating power sufficient to support more than can be got into
her. The third--her self-righting quality--is also due to air-chambers,
in connection with a heavy keel. There are two large and prominent
air-cases in the lifeboat--one in the bow, the other in the stern.
These rise considerably above the gunwale, insomuch that when the boat
is turned upside-down it rests upon them as upon two pivots. Of course
it cannot remain stationary on them for a moment, but must necessarily
fall over to the one side or the other. This is the first motion in
self-righting; then the heavy keel comes into play, and pulls the boat
quite round. Being full of water, the lifeboat would be comparatively
useless but for its fourth quality--that of self-emptying. This is
accomplished by means of six large holes which run through the floor and
bottom of the boat. The floor referred to is air-tight, and is so
placed that when fully