We were therefore in a position to take up an important
contract of this kind, and to work it out with heart and soul.
As everything in the way of saving of fuel was of first-rate
importance, we devoted ourselves to that branch of economic
working. It was necessary that buoyancy or space should be left
for cargo, at the same time that increased speed should be
secured, with as little consumption of coal as possible. The
Messrs. Elder and Co., of Glasgow, had made great strides in this
direction with the paddle steam-engines which they had
constructed for the Pacific Company on the compound principle.
They had also introduced them on some of their screw steamers,
with more or less success. Others were trying the same principle
in various forms, by the use of high-pressure cylinders, and so
on; the form of the boilers being varied according to
circumstances, for the proper economy of fuel. The first thing
absolutely wanted was, perfectly reliable information as to the
actual state of the compound engine and boiler up to the date of
our inquiry. To ascertain the facts by experience, we dispatched
Mr. Alexander Wilson, younger brother of the manager who had been
formerly a pupil of Messrs. Macnab and Co., of Greenock, and was
thoroughly able for the work--to make a number of voyages in
steam vessels fitted with the best examples of compound engines.
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