[206] Mr. C. B. Stuart computes the power of the _Asia_ at eight hundred and sixteen H.-P., and the _Atlantic_ and _Pacific_ at only eight hundred each. On further comparing these steamers it will be found that for each square foot of immersed section the _Atlantic_ had 1-10/100 horse-power; the _Pacific_, 1-12/100; and the _Asia_, 1-26/100, thereby giving the latter an important advantage over the others. In the judgment of the Americans, therefore, whatever superiority may have been exhibited in their vessels over those of the British in speed, is justly ascribed to their models, effective boilers, and ability in their preparation. CHAPTER V. Dangers of Atlantic Navigation—Collision of _Arctic_ and _Vesta_, 1854—_Arctic_ founders—Loss of _Pacific_, 1856—Renewed exertions of the Collins and, also, of the Cunard Company—Launch of the _Persia_—Collins line relinquished, 1858—_Scotia_—Her great strength and speed—_Russia_, first Cunard iron screw-steamer, 1862—_Bothnia_ and _Scythia_, 1874—Their construction, outfit, and cabin accommodation—Vessels now owned by Cunard Company—Comparison of _Britannia_ and _Bothnia_—Cunard Company never lost a life nor a letter during thirty-five years—Reasons—Value of punctuality—Admirable discipline in their ships—Regulations of the Company—Most disasters may be prevented by foresight—Success depends on fitting means—Cunard line shows what can be done. [Sidenote: Dangers of Atlantic navigation.] A voyage across the Atlantic must ever be attended with greater peril than almost any other ocean service of similar length and duration; arising, as this does, from the boisterous character and uncertainty of the weather, from the icebergs which float in huge masses during spring along the northern line of passage, from the dense fogs frequently prevailing, and from the many vessels of every kind to be met with, either as employed in the Newfoundland fisheries, or in the vast and daily increasing intercourse between Europe and America. In such a navigation the utmost care and caution requires to be constantly exercised, especially by steamships. Nevertheless, though the Collins line of steamers performed this passage with a speed hitherto unequalled, they encountered no accidents worthy of note during the first four years of their career; but terrible calamities befell them soon afterwards. [Sidenote: Collision of _Arctic_ and _Vesta_, 1854.]