3 SEPTEMBER 1831, Page 22

SAFETY STEAM-BOATS.—A correspondent who has investigated the subject, strongly recommends

that all steam-boats should be compelled to carry with them at least three " florying-yawls "—boats which can, on occasion, receive from twenty-five to thirty-five, or, in fine weather, forty individuals. Such boats are used by the steam-vessels on the Newhaven ferry, in the Firth of Forth, for landing their passengers, and are extremely safe. He states, that three such boats can be carried on deck, stowed one within another, with less inconvenience than the 'coaches frequently conveyed by steam-vessels occasion ; or they may be hung from "davits" to the quarters and stern. As an improvement on our correspondent's plan, we would suggest that the boats should be fitted up as life-boats, either-by-means-of Watson's safety-tubes, or by a modification of Greathead's method. We Must also,press the propriety of our last week's suggestion—to limit the number of passengers by steam-boats ; and to regulate the boats inxtunehes.aud size accordingly. We cannot for a moment listen to the plea of ,expense which such a safety apparatus would occasion. The public will most cheerfully give to the vessel which first adopts it the most ample patronage.