484 
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
wings were formed on both sides that might be filled with such light substances as 
would resist shots when required—as cork, bags of flax, &c., or if required, the 
seamen and soldiers’ beds. With the protection that may thus be afforded, the 
Nile could be rendered quite as efficient in every respect as a sailing vessel; for 
with the security thus obtained, the only parts unprotected would be the paddle 
wheels and chimney, which probably would not offer more exposure to shot than 
the masts and yards of sailing vessels: while with the paddles and chimney in 
jured, the Nile has still her masts and yards, which are equal for the performance 
of a voyage. This was clearly proved on her taking troops from Syria to Alex 
andria;—when from the number of troops on board, and delays occasioned by 
them, the fuel was exhausted, and the only resource left was her sails. 
This vessel was rigged with three masts as a brigantine or ketch forwards, and 
two masts as a schooner abaft, as may be seen by reference to Plate XCIV.; added 
to which, when not steaming, several large staysails were set flying from the main to 
the foremast, so that she could be impelled in strong winds, when close hauled, 
from eight to nine knots, and off the wind, from ten to eleven knots. When 
steaming head to wind, the yards could be lowered one on the other pointed to the 
wind, as low as that when the foremost gun was required to be fired, the explosion 
would not affect them; and the topmast was then lowered to the deck, being of a 
length, that when struck, it could be lashed between the trestle-trees, on the fore 
side of the foremast, so that her mast and yards did not oppose any great resist 
ance when steaming head to wind.