We have accidentally seen in one of the dockyards a working model of a "peril indicator," to denote the approach of ground to ships and steamers, the invention of Lieutenant Westbrook, R. N., (1826), of the Stag revenue cruiser, on the Ryde district. The apparatus is fitted to the keel of the vessel, and consists of a projection therefrom of two bars ten feet below the keel of the vessel ; immediately these bars, which are fitted forward as well as aft, touch ground, they spring up level with the keel and ring a large bell in the engine-room, which is the signal for the engineer to instantly reverse the engines and send the ship astern. The invention has met with the approval of some of the members of the Admiralty, and every scientific naval or other person who has seen it. A trial would fully demonstrate its usefulness and applicability; its expense is too trivial 1o be an obstacle.- London Paper.

SG & SGTL Vol 5 ; page 194.

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