To diverge the torpedo on the starboard quarter of the ship, the line _s_ must be slackened, and the whole towing strain brought on the rope _p_, causing the frame _b_ to be pulled over to a knot _k_ in the rope _p_, made at the proper position to ensure the torpedo towing at the correct angle from the course of the vessel, and at the same time causing the rudder _e_ to be turned to starboard; this is shown at Fig. 117 by the dotted lines. To diverge the torpedo on the port quarter, the towing rope _p_ would be slackened and the whole strain brought on the rope _s_, and an action opposite to that already described would be the result. Two cork buoys are used, similar to those employed with the Harvey torpedo; one being attached at a distance of 10 feet from the stern of the torpedo, and the other at such a distance astern that the torpedo would be placed at a distance below the surface to allow of safety to a friendly vessel. [Illustration: GERMAN AND FRENCH TOWING TORPEDOES. PLATE XXXV] The torpedo is manipulated in a similar manner to the Harvey, the circuit being closed at the moment of the first buoy disappearing, at which time the torpedo would be about ten feet below the surface. The two buoys are together capable of supporting the torpedo, and thus by means of the second one it may be picked up, should it be necessary to cut the towing ropes. _Description of the French Towing Torpedo._--The towing torpedo used by the French is represented in section and plan at Fig. 118. _a_ is the body of the torpedo, formed of wood enclosed in a thin steel case; _b_ is the head made of cork; _c_ is the case containing the charge, which is generally 33 lbs. of dynamite, this case is supported by the bolt _d_ resting on the plate _e_; _f_, _f_ are whiskers, which are connected to the plate _e_; _g_ and _h_ are hollow tubes, one end of _g_ being attached to the case _e_, and one end of _h_ to the rear end of the body of the torpedo _a_, and they are so arranged that when the case _c_ is released, its weight will draw out the tube _g_, which slides along the tube _h_ to nearly the full extent of the latter; _k_, _k_ are bolts, to which the towing sling is attached; _l_ is the fuze, and _n_ is a small gun used for firing the torpedo at will. The hole in the plate _e_ through which the bolt _d_ passes is larger than the latter, so that when the plate is moved backwards by pressure being applied to the whiskers the bolt is freed from support, and case _c_ attached to it falls. The modes of firing are as follows:-- 1.--The automatic plan of firing is effected by the tube _h_, after it has fallen a certain distance, corresponding to a depth of 9 feet for the case _c_, drawing down by means of a line attached to it a plug contained in the body _a_, which completes the circuit of the firing battery.