The reservoir of the Old Welsh Harp was close at hand--a place famous for its water-birds and wild fowl.
Smith made many models of boats, his experiments extending over many years.

In 1834, he constructed a boat propelled by a wooden screw driven by a spring, the performance of which was thought extraordinary.
Where he had got his original idea is not known.

It was floating about in many minds, and was no special secret.

Smith, however, arrived at the conclusion that his method of propelling steam vessels by means of a screw was much superior to paddles--at that time exclusively employed.

In the following year, 1835, he constructed a superior model, with which he performed a number of experiments at Hendon.