3-043-772 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new screw-steamer Japan, for the Suez Canal trade to India and China, 1872. Iron steamship built by Messrs. C. Mitchell and Co. of Newcastle-on-Tyne. 'The state-rooms are made extra spacious, and each has a square window, fitted with ventilating-panels, by which arrangement perfect light and ventilation are secured...everything has been done that will conduce to their comfort in a warm climate. All the necessary offices, including separate galleys for Europeans and Lascars, cook's quarters, store-rooms, ice-house..are on deck, so that the holds are left entirely free for cargo, for which there will be capacity for about 400 tons. The spaces between decks are likewise adapted so that troops may be carried...Wherever practicable steam has been applied to facilitate the working of the ship - in discharging cargo, driving pumps, heaving anchors, hoisting sails, and other operations, by which means the number of the crew is reduced to a minimum. The ship is furnished with a pair of compound surface condensing-engines, manufactured by Messrs. Maudslay, Sons, and Field, of London. These are of the most complete description, and, being fitted with steam starting-gear, axe under perfect control...The Japan has been built for Messrs. Apcar and Co'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.