Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/174



The framing of the engine is in the form of Gothic columns, supporting arches, all painted and bronzed. All the work not painted is highly polished.

The whole is surrounded by a bronzed rail, and a cast-iron flooring, ornamented with stars in relief, covers the floor.

The engine house is about 60 feet square, and 60 feet high. The boilers are placed in a fire-proof room adjoining; they are three in number, 26 feet long, 7 feet in diameter, and are ordinarily used at a pressure of 50 lbs.

The engine works two draining pumps, each 63 inches in diameter, having 8 feet stroke, one being connected to each arm of the beam.

The whole cost of the dock and its appendages is estimated at $2,000,000 (about 400,000l.).

72. Navy Yard, Washington.—In this yard there are from 500 to 600 men in the various departments, employed in the manufacture of ordnance, marine engines, chain cables, anchors, &c. Experiments were being made with a large gun, carrying 240 lb. shot, and also with a pendulum mortar.

The quality of the metal of which each gun is composed is tested and registered, and a sample piece preserved.