[221] The chief-mate of the steam-ship _Schiller_, a German steamer engaged in the Transatlantic trade, which was lost, with 333 persons on board, on rocks contiguous to Scilly, in thick weather during the night of the 7th of May, 1875, states in his evidence: “The _Schiller_ was out of her reckoning: they _thought_ they were 25 miles from the land. They had had fog for three days, had been unable to take observations, and HAD NOT ONCE CAST THE LEAD.” (See report of official inquiry ordered by the Board of Trade, _Times_, 2nd June, 1875.) If any of my readers will look at the soundings marked on a Channel chart they will see that this steamer would most probably not have been lost had only one cast of the lead been taken during the three days of fog. [222] The instructions to the captains are in print and of considerable length, but the leading points in regard to the discipline and safety of the ship and all persons on board are as follows: “We rely on your keeping every person attached to the ship, both officers and people throughout the several departments, up to the high standard of discipline and efficiency which we expect in the service. Your own practical knowledge may be your best guide, but we will allude to the following things:— “The charge of the ship, in all its departments, is put under the command of the captain. “The departments on board are classed under three heads: “Sailing, engineers, stewards and servants. “The captain to divide the sailors and officers into two watches only, so that two officers may be always on deck.” “Keep good look-outs.—The trust of so many lives under the captain’s charge is a great responsibility; requiring vigilance night and day. “Be most careful as regards fire and the use of naked lights.—See the rules in cabin regulations on this point attended to. “Good steering is of great value.—Pick out the best helmsmen for this duty. “We beg your especial care to the drawing-off of spirits. The spirit-room should, if possible, be entered during the day _only_. See instructions to the purser under this head, and enforce them. “Avoid familiarity with any particular set or portion of your passengers; avoid national observations and discourage them in others; keep yourself always a disinterested party ready to reconcile differences; be civil and kind to all your passengers—_recollect they will value your services on deck looking after their safety more than talking with them in the saloons_. “The engine store-room (the place where the waste and oil are kept) should have the engineers’ close attention, so as to prevent fire, or even the alarm of it, not only on the passage but in port.