READERS of The Lifeboat know that oil has on various occasions been used with great effect in calming the rough water round a shipwrecked vessel. A paper on its value was read by the Chief Inspector of Life-boats at the International Life-boat Conference in London in 1924, and a supply is kept at all stations. It is interesting to know that, apparently, treacle has been found to be an efficient substitute. The following appeared in Lloyd's List on 25th January last:—- "New York, 23rd January.—The steamer Dora, master Bush, arrived at Philadelphia yesterday. On her way from Cuba with a cargo of treacle she ran into a terrific storm. Her decks were awash, and everything movable on them was carried away. Appa- rently the vessel was on the point of foundering when it occurred to the master to try the effect of treacle on the sea. Seventy thousand gallons of molasses were cast upon the waters.

In the becalmed area that resulted the Dora remained, and safely rode out the storm.—The Daily Chronicle correspondent." Smith Minor should note, however, that the Institution does not propose to supply its Boats with treacle, either to be used as an emergency ration or for calming the sea..