Note 201 — APPENDIX II. (See Chapter IX. on the ‘Great Britain’ Steam-Ship, p. 254.) Report to the Directors of the Great Western Steam-Ship Company.

In a Report by Mr. Brunel on improvements in the port of Bristol, dated December 26, 1839, the following passage occurs: ‘A great change is unquestionably about to take place in the carriage of merchandise by sea, a change similar, though possibly not so striking, as that which has so suddenly been effected by railways in land carriage. To ensure the speed which the passenger traffic demands, great size in the vessels is required; in the course of a very few years we shall find Atlantic steamers desirous of taking 500 or 600 tons of cargo to make up their draught.’