3-034-561 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The twin-screw steam-launch Ladybird, 1871. 'All who frequent the upper waters of the Thames must be familiar with the many and varied styles of steam-launches that enliven the river, and we now illustrate one of the prettiest and most successful of them. The little pleasure-steamer in question is 40 ft. in length, 6½ ft. beam, and, propelled by twin-screws, has a speed of ten miles an hour on a draught of water of 2½ ft. Messrs. Hedley and Farrow, of Poplar, the constructors of many of these vessels, have also just completed a craft for hauling nets in sea-fishing...Apart from purposes of pleasure, these light vessels are eminently adapted for navigating and exploring foreign rivers and coasts where only a small traffic exists. They are transported on deck entire, arriving ready for immediate use abroad'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.