Were the paddle our only means of propulsion, our whole naval force would be reduced to a nullity.

Hostile gunners would wing a paddle-steamer as effectually as a sportsman wings a bird, and all the plating in the world would render such a ship a mere helpless log on the water.
The Admiralty could no longer defer the use of this important invention.

Like all good things, it made its way slowly and by degrees.

The royal naval authorities, who in 1833 backed the side paddles, have since adopted the screw in most of the ships-of-war.

In all long sea-going voyages, also, the screw is now the favourite mode of propulsion.