h an opening in the
coaming to a drum on the steering column, which is turned by another
small wheel similar to that used on the rudder-post, but with a round
edge. The steering column is merely a piece of 1/8-inch wire, held in
place by two small screw-eyes fixed in the coaming and with a tube-brush
soldered on to keep the wire in position. The drum is simply a hard-wood
bushing driven tightly in place.

The power machinery for the _Nancy Lee_ must be considered at this time.
This is really one of the most interesting parts of the construction.
The general appearance of the power plant can be seen by referring to
Fig. 77, which is a view of the complete boiler and engine mounted
together on the same base. The boiler is shown at _A_ and the
safety-valve and filler at _L_. The base or firebox _B_ protects the
burner from stray drafts of air, and also supports the boiler.

The lamp or burner consists of a receptacle _C_ for containing the
denatured alcohol. The denatured alcohol is inserted through the
filler-tube _E_, which is kept closed with a cork. The upright tube _D_
is fitted so that air can go into the receptacle containing the alcohol.
Three burners are necessary to fire the boiler. These are fitted as
shown in _F_, and they give sufficient heat to produce steam enough to
drive the cylinder _G_. The steam is conducted to the cylinder through
the short pipe _K_. The steam-cylinder has the usual piston and rod,
which drives the circular crank _H_. This crank is mounted on a
crankshaft carried on the metal tube _M_. As will be noticed, the
cylinder is of the simple oscillating type mounted on a standard, formed
as part of the boiler casing, and stiffened by two angle-plates _L_.

A heavy flywheel, _J_, is now fitted to the inside end of the
crankshaft. This wheel should be a lead casting, and as heavy as
possible. A heavy flywheel contributes much to the operating efficiency
of the engine. The propeller-shaft and crank are shown at _N_ in the
insert.

The boiler is made from a strong tin can about 1-3/4 inches in diameter
and 4-1/2 inches long. It is cleaned inside and out, and all the seams
are double-soldered. The lid is also soldered on the can. This little
boiler, although not elaborately made, will be found capable of standing
up under considerable steam-pressure, and so no fear need be had of
accidents by explosion.

[Illustration: FIG. 83]

[Illustration: FIG. 78]

[Illustration: FIG. 77]

[Illustr