The anchor is made of iron-marble, which is the strongest composition we
have, and which, you will recollect, was used in the construction of the
Mountain Supporter.
In shape the anchor resembles a body with six legs, like a fly--three on
either side. Each leg has a crook at the end, which will grapple firmly
wherever the least hold can be obtained.
The anchor is let out and hauled in by machinery made on a principle
resembling the machinery of the ship itself, but, of course, on a very
much smaller scale.
The rope holding the anchor is made of Bisson hair, a very strong
material; and although there is little probability of its breaking,
there are four other ropes of the same material secured to the body of
the anchor, to serve in case of accidents. There is no strain whatever
in the meantime on these reserved ropes, which hang slack, and would
only come taut and into play in case of the principal rope being broken.