THE APPLICATION OF STEAM TO CANALS---NO. 2

In 1472, long before canals, attempts had been made to substitute for the manual laboR of cars, the propulsion of boats by wheels moved by oxen; while, on the 17th of June, 1543, with a precision of date which throws much doubt on the probability, the Spauiards claim the construction of a steammoved vessel. Mention of galleys driven by side wheels are found in the years 1578 and 1587; while, in 1618, David Ramsay obtained a patent from the crown to apply engines "to make boates for the carriage of burthens and passengers runne upon the water as swift in calms...