THE BUILDING OF THE "MONITOR."



Referring to the illustration, it will be seen that the under side of the over-
hlatig near the stern is (ut out in the middle, forminig a cavity needeed to
give free sweep to the propeller-b)lades; the slope of the cavity on either side
of the propeller being considerably incelined in order to favor a free passage
of the water to anti from the propeller-l)lades.
  :3. The extremne beam at the forward side of the propleller-wvell is 31 feet,
while the diameter of the propeller is only 9 feet; it will therefore be
seen that the (leek and side arinor projects 11 feet on each side, thus pro-
tecting most effectually the propelling instrument as well as the eluil)oise
rudder applied aft of the same. It will be readily admitted that no other
vessel constructed here or elsewhere has such thorough protection to rudder
and propeller as that just (deserlil)ed.

  THE foregoing descril)tion of the hastily constructed steam-battery proves
that, so far from being, as generally supposed, a rude specimen of naval coIn-
struction, the 3woiitor displayed eareful planning, besides workmanship of
superior quality. Experts who examined the vessel an(Imachinery after coIi-
pletion pronounced the entire structure a fine specimen of naval engineering.
  The conflict in Hampton Roads, and the immediate building of a fleet of
sea-going monitors by the United States (4overnment, attracted great atten-
tion in all maritime countries, especially in the north of Europe. Admiral
Lessoffsky, of the Russian navy, was at once ordered -to be present during the
completion and trial of our sea-, oing monitors. The report of this talented
officer to his government being favorable, the Emperor immediately ordered a
fleet of twelve vessels on the new systenm, to be constructed accord ing to copies
of the working-drawings from whieh the American sea-going monitors had
been built. Sweden and Norway also forthwith laid the keels of a fleet of
seven vessels of the new type, Turkey rapidly following the example of the
northern European nations. It will be remembered that during the naval
contest on the Danube the Russian batteries and torpedo-boats subjected the
Turkish monitors to severe tests. England, in due course, adopted our turret
system, discarding the turntable and cupola.



744



                    I
XNWNG (F THE "MoxfTolt", D"rusuot 29, IWI.