The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.Smile, R. Elton
Science
The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.
Smile, R. Elton
Science fiction, American
After carefully sounding to obtain a knowledge of the imbedded extent of
the detached portions, and to learn the dimensions of the vessel, if its
planks and timbers were yet retained in position by their fastenings, it
was inclosed in a coffer-dam, and the retained guanic admixture with
water was pumped out for evaporation. When cleared, the trove, with the
aid of dredge and shovels, was in a few days fully exposed to view. As
we had anticipated, the prize proved to be the remains of an ancient
galley. Calculating from the keel, which remained nearly entire, the
extreme length from its heel to the stem of the prow must have exceeded,
free from overworks, seventy feet. The keel was stepped for prow, main,
and stern masts. The former and latter were respectively placed within a
few feet of the extreme ends of the keelson, or its semblance, which
strengthened the true step in the keel. The septum support of the main-
mast united the after and forward decks, separating the banks of
oarsmen, with ample space between for passage fore and aft. Beneath the
lower bank-pits a portion of the deck remained, showing the foot-wear of
the rowers in their forward and backward steps of reach. The hold
beneath was of sufficient capacity for the storage of provisions for a
long voyage. The run-planking on the starboard side was sufficiently
well preserved to show the columbares for a single bank of eight oars,
as well as those in the stern designed for the rudder blades. The fact
of there being only a single bank of oars in the true planking, afforded
presumptive evidence of commercial intention, as in a vessel so large
their propelling power would have proved insufficient for ordinary
progression, but as adjuvantic aids to the sails, in light winds, they
would prove valuable. The seams between the planks still retained the
papyrus with which they had been caulked; this had been introduced with
pitch or melted resin; the combined effects of age and ammonia had
changed the paying substance, so that in appearance it resembled amber.
The remains of the galley presented for the study of the antiquarian a
double interest, historical and mechanical, the latter, with its
material indications of skill in art adaptation, affording a clue to the
periodic stages of progression as the head and hand mark of coeval
intelligence. The wood used in its construction was the red, aromatic
cedar of Lebanon, which gave indications of large growth, many of the
planks reaching the entire length of the hull, perhaps determining at
the time the size of the vessel. During the early ascendancy of Roman
rule, the Appenine pine, or fir, was brought into requisition for ship
building; but the cedar of Lebanon still retained its reputation founded
upon intrinsic value, as it exceeded all other woods in elastic
toughness, lightness, durability, and unattractive freedom from
parasitic accumulations peculiar to the Mediterranean and ocean. The
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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