CHAPTER VII.

THE HISTORY OF SHIPS AND SHIPPING INTERESTS (_continued_). A Contrast—Floating Palaces and “Coffin-ships”—Mr. Plimsoll’s 112 Appeal—His Philanthropic Efforts—Use of Old Charts—Badly-constructed Ships—A Doomed Ship—Owner’s Gains by her Loss—A Sensible Deserter—Overloading—The Widows and Fatherless—Other Risks of the Sailor’s Life—Scurvy—Improper Cargoes—“Unclassed Vessels”—“Lloyd’s” and its History