The trip of 150 miles from New York to Albany was made in thirty-two hours. Success had at last rewarded this man of strong common-sense, quiet modesty, and iron will. The Clermont was the first steamboat of practical use ever invented. From that time men saw the immeasurable advantage to trade of steam navigation on lakes and rivers.
This was Fulton's last work of great public interest. He died in 1815, having rendered an untold service to the industrial welfare of his country and the world.
REVIEW OUTLINE
The pack-horse, the flat boat, and the new problem.
Robert Fulton at home and at school.
His Fourth of July sky rockets.
A new method of navigation.
Fulton's fondness for drawing and painting.
He invents the diving-boat.
Fulton and Livingston.
A serious accident.
"Fulton's Folly" and her trip up the Hudson.
TO THE PUPIL
1. Give an account of Fulton's life at school, and his youthful inventions.
2. Tell about his experience with the diving-boat.
3. What serious accident happened to his boat?
4. Imagine yourself on the Clermont at the time of its trial trip, and give an account of the journey from New York to Albany.
5. What do you admire in the character of Robert Fulton?