not only produce decay as it respects themselves, but infest the timbers with which they come in contact. The introduction by your Royal Highness’s memorialist, of coaks, and working the timbers with square heads and heels, has given a strength and connection hitherto unknown until introduced in the frame of the Thunderer (now Talavera). The simplicity of the workmanship, and economy in the conversion of timber, although of considerable moment, are of trifling importance compared with the plan of rendering timber generally more applicable to the frames of ships, which heretofore was only partially so, and causing them to possess greater strength and durability. As a proof of the utility of the plan, two 28-gun ships are now constructing solely of fir timber, which never was before done by any mode of framing, as considerable quantities of oak and elm timber were before introduced in the construction of what were termed fir frigates. This plan is generally introduced in all classes of His Majesty’s ships, by directions from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated 4th February, 1818.
“That your Royal Highness’s memorialist, on the 15th January, 1819, proposed a plan for the introduction of iron laid diagonally, instead of wood> in frigates, which will cause considerable durability to the ships, and prevent the consumption of much useful timber. It will also give greater room for stowage, shorten the fastenings, and consequently give increased strength. This plan has been directed to be generally introduced by order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated 23d January, 1819.
“Your Royal Highness’s memorialist was apprenticed in March 1782, to Sir John Henslow, late Surveyor of His Majesty’s Navy, who was then Master Shipwright of Plymouth Yard; and was at a considerable expence to his friends during that apprenticeship; and by regular gradations, after a service of more than thirty-one years, arrived at the situation which he now fills, making at this time a servitude of thirty-seven years. That your Royal Highness’s memorialist has had no pecuniary or other advantage (except in one instance as herein stated) for the numerous inventions and improvements which are here detailed, and for others of minor consideration, which have been introduced in His Majesty’s naval service, notwithstanding such immense sums have been saved to the public by the adoption of the plans of your Royal Highness’s memorialist, and on which Government have expended, and are expending, to the amount of some millions of money; and that in point of fact he sacrificed comfort and gained no emolument (as stated by the Select Committee of Finance in their 6th Report, page 190[1]), by leaving the situation of Master-- ↑ “While calling the attention of the House to this particular branch of scientific instruction, your Committee deem it their duty particularly to notice Mr. Seppings, one of the surveyors of the navy, to whose abilities
