28. A proper supply of lamps, glasses, oil, and wicks; instrument ink and instrument paper, in sufficient quantities; paraffin, wicks, and spare lamp-glasses for the instrument lamps; lamp-brushes, tools, sulphate of copper, stationery, &c., to be always ready for use.
29. No person, except those on duty, and the officers authorised by the Atlantic Telegraph Company, to be allowed in the instrument room on any pretence.
30. The batteries to be kept in an efficient state, especially those for sending reversals—their force taken periodically, and if any variation occur, they must be renewed, or brought up to the original force.
31. Supplies of all materials necessary for such purpose to be in constant readiness.
32. The actual end of the Cable to be brought to the instrument tables, and well insulated.
SHORE SIGNALS.
33. Ordinary.—5 reversals, each two minutes, commencing C to E.
34. To open communication on acknowledgment.—8 reversals, each ¼ minute, commencing Z to E.
As the voyage of the Great Eastern promised to be so interesting to electricians and engineers, several young gentlemen who worked in the testing-room and in the engineer’s department received a passage, as we have mentioned, but there was no person on board who was not in some way or other engaged on the business of both companies, or connected with the management of the ship. The voyage commenced most favourably. The rate of speed was increased to 3 knots, then to 4 knots, then to 5 knots, and finally, to 6½ knots an hour, and the Cable flew from each coiled flake as if it were eager to push up through the controlling bands of the so-called crinoline, and to plunge into the sea. At 10·p.m., Greenwich time, 50 miles of Cable had been payed-out, and the process continued to midnight with equal ease and regularity. In order to make each day’s proceedings distinct, and to take the reader over the course so that he can follow the expedition readily by the aid of the accompanying chart, I propose recording events in the form of a diary.
