RECENT PROGRESS IN STEAMSHIP CONSTRUCTION. PAGE Growth in Dimensions of Steamships—America’s Place in Ocean Traffic— Shipbuilding in America—Wood _versus_ Iron Shipbuilding—Introduction of Mild Steel for Shipbuilding—Suitability of Mild Steel for Shipbuilding—Economical Advantages of Steel Ships—Reduction in Cost of Mild Steel—Pioneer Steel Steamships—Cellular Bottom Steamships— Description of Cellular Bottom System—Adoption of Water Ballast— Spread of Cellular Bottom System—Cellular Bottom Sailing Ships—Minor Structural Modifications—Cast Steel Stern Frames, Rudders, &c.— Advantages of Cast Steel Stern Frames, Rudders, &c.—Probable Future of Steel Castings—List of Papers, &c., bearing on Ship Construction 1 CHAPTER II. SPEED AND POWER OF MODERN STEAMSHIPS. Early Atlantic Mail Steamers—Reduction of the Atlantic Passage-time— Modern Transatlantic Steamships—Fast Atlantic Passages—The Future of the Atlantic Service—Cape of Good Hope Mail Service—Employment of Steamers on Long Voyages—Australian Direct Steam Service—New Zealand Direct Steam Service—Increased Number of High-Speed Steamers—Economy in Coal Consumption—Construction of Modern Marine Boilers—Improved Boiler Fittings—Combustion by Forced Draught—Reduced Weight of Machinery—Triple Expansion Engines—Designs for “Ships of the Future”— The Future of Ship Propulsion—List of Papers bearing on Speed and Power of Steamships 27 CHAPTER III. SAFETY AND COMFORT OF MODERN STEAMSHIPS. Water-tight Sub-division—Value of Proper Sub-division—Dangers of Inefficient Sub-division—Merchant Steamers on Admiralty List—Safety due to Double Bottoms—Safety due to Employment of Steel—Safety as affected by Construction—Causes of Unseaworthiness—High Qualities of Ship Construction—Safety due to Articles of Outfit—Improved Nautical Instruments—Devices for Unsinkable Ships—Devices for Life-Saving— Comfort on Board Modern Steamships—Comfort as affecting Ship Design— Improved Saloon Accommodation—Electric Light on Board Ship—Electric Ship Signal Lights—Ventilation on Board Ship—Improved Systems of Ventilation—Hydraulic Appliances on Board Ship—The Bessemer Channel Steamer—The Causes and Alleviation of Sea Sickness—Progress due to Novelty in Design—List of Papers, &c., bearing on Safety and Comfort of Ships 51 CHAPTER IV. PROGRESS IN THE SCIENCE OF SHIPBUILDING.