Along the Docks

The tow line of the canal boat Autocrat broke yesterday forenoon on the second river level and before another line could be got to the shore the rapid current swept the boat to the dam where she remained until today when she was released by the tug Maria Melvin. The Autocrat received some injuries which will need repairing. She3 has lumber shipped by Millard, Underwood & Co.

The new steam pump to be used in wrecking by the tug Alanson Sumner has for two or three days been on trial on the wharf back of the old market, and has attracted much attention from machinists and seamen. The pump is a centrifugal one and is driven by an oscillating cylinder 12x8. The engine is compact and simple and works noiselessly but with great force and effectiveness.

With 65 pounds of steam on an eight horsepower boiler, the pump will discharge 6,500 gallons of water per minute. The buckets of the pump are so constructed that hey can not be choked by grain or sand, two things which have been of great annoyance to other marine pumps. The pump and engine are manufactured by Heald, Cisco & Co., of Baldwinsville for the patentees Perry & Son. Captain Dobbie, desirous of securing the best pump in use, has given the matter some time and attention and is satisfied that the Perry pump is the cheapest and most effective pump in use. We are satisfied from seeing it work that unless a schooner's bottom is gone entirely the Perry pump will float her.