The long-continued satisfactory state of health of the crew must also partly be sought for in the constant use of shower-baths. For this purpose, apertures, three-quarters of an inch in diameter, were bored in the planks of both the deck and forecastle, under which a perforated disc could be screwed, and above which a pail of water was placed. By these simple means every one was enabled to enjoy the luxury of a bath; when, however, the desire for that refreshment became general, so that the arrangement above-mentioned was insufficient, a hand fire-engine was made use of, so as to accommodate as many at once as might present themselves—a process which found great favour with the jolly tars, as affording abundant opportunities for fun and merriment.
VERTICAL SECTION OF THE FRIGATE "NOVARA."
[Larger.]
The frigate Novara had been placed on the stocks in the arsenal of Venice in the month of February, 1845, and was launched in April, 1850. She was pierced for 42 guns, but during the voyage carried only thirty 30-pounders,[5] and four of smaller calibre.
[5] The 30-pounder marine guns answer very nearly to the English 32-pounders.
The principal dimensions of the frigate (Vienna measurement) are:—
| Length between perpendiculars | 165 | feet | 5½ | inches.[6] |
| Length of water line | 156 | " | 5 | " |
| Greatest breadth | 44 | " | 11½ | " |
| Greatest breadth on water line | 43 | " | 2 | " |
| Depth of hold | 19 | " | ¾ | " |
| Draught of water aft | 18 | " | 9 | " |
| Draught of water fore | 17 | " | 5 2⁄3 | " |
[6] 96 423⁄1000 Austrian feet = 100 English.
The superficial area of the ship, or the load-water line, amounted to 5685.35 square feet; quantity of water displaced 2107 Austrian, or 2630 English tons. The superficial area of the principal sails amounted to 18,291 square feet.