[27] This splice-frame was an ingenious arrangement for neutralizing the untwisting tendency of two opposite lays when spliced together, but is never required in present-day practise. [28] This, of course, did not in any way come as a surprise, for the length of cable employed for these experiments had long since been condemned as imperfect. [29] And so it is sometimes with telegraph-ships--as regards the dead weight of cable--even in the present day, when compared with the risks run by ordinary seagoing vessels. [30] When these part to any extent a ship is always considered in a dangerous condition. [31] By subsequent tests it was clear that at any rate the cable remaining on board was perfect. But after com paring notes with the Niagara, a strong belief was held that the cable probably parted at the bottom. [32] This was from the last turn in the coil, and subsequently it was discovered that owing to the disturbance in the flooring of the tank during the storm, the cable had been damaged here. [33] Life-Story of Sir Charles Bright. [34] Though bearing this somewhat cumbersome and elaborate title, this instrument was practically nothing more nor less than an ordinary "detector," its capacity for actually measuring the electric current being of an extremely limited character. [35] This was some of the cable damaged during the storm, like that which had been broken at the end of the previous attempt. The bottom of the hold here was found afterward to be in a very disordered state. [36] Later on it was made clear that this mysterious temporary want of continuity, accompanied by an apparent variation in the insulation, was due to a defect in the more or less inconstant sand-battery used aboard the latter vessel. [37] It subsequently transpired that the trouble had been due to a fault in the Niagara's ward-room coil. As soon as the electricians discovered this, and had it cut out, all went smoothly again. [38] The amount of slack paid out had already been almost ruinous. Luckily its continuance was not necessary, or it would have been impossible to reach Ireland with the cable on board. [39] The Times, Wednesday, August 11, 1858. [40] This spot had been selected on account of its seclusion from prevailing winds, and owing to the shelter it afforded from drifting icebergs. [41] Engineer's log, U.S.N.S. Niagara. [42] The Times, second edition, August 5th, 1858. [43] The Times, August 6, 1858. [44] Daily News, August 20, 1858. [45] "The Life-Story of Sir Charles Bright," _ibid._ [46] The Times, August 6, 1858. [47] Submarine Telegraphs.