skeleton of the prow is formed of a large vertical truss which is
bolted to the front of the frame and is held within by a tie bar. On
each side of this truss are placed the _parallels_ (Figs. 1 and 3),
which are formed of pieces of wood that are set into the frame below
and are provided above with grooves for the passage of iron rods that
support the foot rests by means of which the supernumeraries are
lifted. As a whole, those rods constitute a jointed parallelogram, so
that the foot rest always remains horizontal while describing a curve
of five feet radius from the top of the frame to the deck of the
vessel. They are actuated by a cable which winds around a small
windlass fixed in the interior of the frame.

[Illustration: FIG. 5.--THE SHIP AS SEEN FROM THE STAGE.]

The large mast consists of a vertical sheath 10 ft. high, which is set
into the center of the frame, and in the interior of which slides a
wooden spar that exceeds it by 5 ft. at first, and is capable of being
drawn out as many more feet for the final apotheosis. This part of the
mast carries three footboards and a platform for the reception of
"supers." It is actuated by a windlass placed upon the frame.

To form the skeleton of the vessel there are mounted upon the frame a
series of eight large vertical trusses parallel with each other and
cross-braced by small trusses. The upper part of these supports the
flooring of the deck, and their exterior portion affects the curve of
a ship's sides. It is to these trusses that are attached the panels
covered with painted canvas that represent the hull. These panels are
nine in number on each side. Above are placed those that simulate the
nettings and those that cover the prow or form its crest.