[144] The passages which are omitted refer to the relative cost and merits of the different tenders.
[145] Two years later Mr. Brunel spoke of the success of the screw engines as ‘a most grave question upon which hangs I fear to think how much.’
[146] Mr. Geach was one of the most zealous friends of the great ship. His death, within a year after the commencement of the work, was the first of her many misfortunes.
[147] Stringent conditions as to jacketing were introduced into the contracts; but they were not enforced by Mr. Brunel, in deference to the strong objections urged by the makers. He much regretted this concession.
[148] The destination of the ship as proposed at this time was Australia.
[149] The power of blowing off the steam without noise is of great importance, and Mr. Brunel made many experiments on the point. The noise of the steam blowing off, when the engines of a ship are stopped for fear of an impending collision or other accident, is so great, that it is almost impossible to hear any orders that may be given.
[150] The screw propeller of ‘Agamemnon’ was broken in a trial trip outside Plymouth Sound, on November 9, 1853; and the result was that, from not having efficient governors, the engines flew round at an alarming speed.
[151] Mr. Russell’s works. The ship was built in a yard immediately adjoining them.
[152] See, for example, an article in the Quarterly Review of March 1856, entitled ‘The Triton and the Minnows.’
[153] It must be remembered that this report describes the ship as she was at that time designed by Mr. Brunel.