The use of such an apparatus permits a great diminution in the store of water usually carried by a vessel. The space gained by this diminished bulk of water, enabled us to take on board a larger cargo of coal and provisions, such as preserved beef and compressed vegetables. The sailors were not, however, particularly fond of the preserved beef, because in cooking it loses a great part of its flavour (though the broth is strong and good); nor does it seem as an article of diet to have had a particularly beneficial influence on the health, for the sanitary condition of the crew was equally satisfactory, and the number of scorbutic patients not materially increased when, towards the end of the voyage, the fresh stores were exhausted, and only salt and pickled rations were issued. Compressed dried vegetables were of great benefit to the health of our men, and cannot be sufficiently recommended. The so-called _melange d'équipage_ of Chollet, as well as _sauer kraut_, potatoes, and other vegetables, have an excellent taste, improve the soups when mixed with them, and are easily preserved, provided they be protected from the effect of damp. Hence it might be advisable to keep them enclosed in well-soldered tin boxes. The price of these vegetables is so moderate, that it is surprising they are not more generally employed. The long-continued satisfactory state of health of the crew must also partly be sought for in the constant use of shower-baths. For this purpose, apertures, three-quarters of an inch in diameter, were bored in the planks of both the deck and forecastle, under which a perforated disc could be screwed, and above which a pail of water was placed. By these simple means every one was enabled to enjoy the luxury of a bath; when, however, the desire for that refreshment became general, so that the arrangement above-mentioned was insufficient, a hand fire-engine was made use of, so as to accommodate as many at once as might present themselves--a process which found great favour with the jolly tars, as affording abundant opportunities for fun and merriment. [Illustration: VERTICAL SECTION OF THE FRIGATE "NOVARA."] The frigate _Novara_ had been placed on the stocks in the arsenal of Venice in the month of February, 1845, and was launched in April, 1850. She was pierced for 42 guns, but during the voyage carried only thirty 30-pounders,[5] and four of smaller calibre. [Footnote 5: The 30-pounder marine guns answer very nearly to the English 32-pounders.] The principal dimensions of the frigate (Vienna measurement) are:-- Length between perpendiculars 165 feet 5-1/2 inches.[6] Length of water line 156 " 5 " Greatest breadth 44 " 11-1/2 " Greatest breadth on water line 43 " 2 " Depth of hold 19 " 3/4 " Draught of water aft 18 " 9 " Draught of water fore 17 " 5-2/3 "