Visit https://ebookgate.

com to download the full version and

explore more ebooks

Engineering Graphics With AutoCAD 1st Edition

Dhananjay M. Kulkarni

_____ Click the link below to download _____

https://ebookgate.com/product/engineering-graphics-
with-autocad-1st-edition-dhananjay-m-kulkarni/

Explore and download more ebooks at ebookgate.com

Here are some recommended products that might interest you.
You can download now and explore!

Real Time Rendering Computer Graphics with Control

Engineering 1st Edition Gabriyel Wong

https://ebookgate.com/product/real-time-rendering-computer-graphics-
with-control-engineering-1st-edition-gabriyel-wong/

ebookgate.com

Mobile 3D graphics learning 3D graphics with the Java

micro edition Claus Ho■Fele

https://ebookgate.com/product/mobile-3d-graphics-learning-3d-graphics-
with-the-java-micro-edition-claus-ho%cc%88fele/

ebookgate.com

Computer Graphics with OpenGL 4th Edition Donald Hearn

https://ebookgate.com/product/computer-graphics-with-opengl-4th-
edition-donald-hearn/

ebookgate.com

Computer Graphics with OpenGL 3rd Edition Donald D. Hearn

https://ebookgate.com/product/computer-graphics-with-opengl-3rd-
edition-donald-d-hearn/

ebookgate.com
AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 Bible 1st Edition Ellen
Finkelstein

https://ebookgate.com/product/autocad-2012-and-autocad-
lt-2012-bible-1st-edition-ellen-finkelstein/

ebookgate.com

Mastering AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 1st Edition

George Omura

https://ebookgate.com/product/mastering-autocad-2010-and-autocad-
lt-2010-1st-edition-george-omura/

ebookgate.com

Mastering AutoCAD 2019 and AutoCAD LT 2019 George Omura

https://ebookgate.com/product/mastering-autocad-2019-and-autocad-
lt-2019-george-omura/

ebookgate.com

Graphics and GUIs with MATLAB Third Edition O. Thomas

Holland

https://ebookgate.com/product/graphics-and-guis-with-matlab-third-
edition-o-thomas-holland/

ebookgate.com

Zero Waste Engineering 1st Edition M. M. Khan

https://ebookgate.com/product/zero-waste-engineering-1st-edition-m-m-
khan/

ebookgate.com
Engineering Graphics
with
AutoCAD

Dhananjay M. Kulkarni
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Group
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani (Goa Campus)

A.P. Rastogi
Former Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

Ashoke K. Sarkar
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
and
Dean, Instruction Division and Faculty Division-I
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

New Delhi-110001
2009
Rs. 325.00

ENGINEERING GRAPHICS WITH AUTOCAD

Dhananjay M. Kulkarni, A.P. Rastogi, and Ashoke K. Sarkar

© 2009 by PHI Learning Private Limited, New Delhi. All rights reserved. No part of this book
may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission in
writing from the publisher.

ISBN-978-81-203-3783-1

The export rights of this book are vested solely with the publisher.

Published by Asoke K. Ghosh, PHI Learning Private Limited, M-97, Connaught Circus,
New Delhi-110001 and Printed by Rajkamal Electric Press, Plot No. 2, Phase IV, HSIDC,
Kundli-131028, Sonepat, Haryana.
 To
Our parents
for their motivation
Contents

Preface xi
Acknowledgements xiii

1. Engineering Graphics: An Overview 1–3

Introduction 1
1.1 The Graphic Language 2
1.2 Need of Engineering Graphics 3
1.3 Objectives of Course 3

Part I AutoCAD
2. Computer Aided Drafting 7–35
Introduction 7
2.1 Computer Aided Drafting System 8
2.1.1 Advantages of Computer Aided Drafting 8
2.1.2 Applications of Computer Aided Drafting 8
2.2 AutoCAD: Drafting Software 9
2.2.1 Advantages of AutoCAD R10 9
2.2.2 Key Points and Important Guidelines During Command Operation 9
2.2.3 Getting Started with AutoCAD R10 10
2.3 Initial Setup Commands 11
2.4 Utility Commands 13
2.5 Drawing Aids 14
2.6 Entity Draw Commands 14
2.7 Display Commands 19
2.8 Edit Commands 19
Exercise (Practice of AutoCAD Commands) 25

Part II Projection Techniques

3. Theory of Projection 39–53
Introduction 39
3.1 Elements of Projection 40
3.2 Systems of Projection 40
3.3 Multiview Projection 41
3.4 Single View (Pictorial) Projection 42
3.4.1 Theory of Axonometric Projection 43
3.4.2 Theory of Oblique Projection 45
3.4.3 Theory of Perspective (Convergent) Projection 46
v
vi Š Contents

3.5 Principal Planes of Projection 47

3.6 Methods of Projection 48
3.6.1 III-Quadrant Method of Projection 48
3.6.2 I-Quadrant Method of Projection 50
3.6.3 45° Reference Line Method 51
3.6.4 Symbolic Representation 51
3.7 Indian Standard Institution (ISI) Code of Practice 52
Exercise (You should know) 52
4. Aspects of Technical Drawing 54–69
Introduction 54
4.1 Size of Drawing Sheet 55
4.1.1 ISO ‘A’ Series 55
4.1.2 Oversize Sheet 57
4.1.3 ISO ‘B’ Series 57
4.1.4 Non-metric Paper Sizes 57
4.2 Drawing Formats 58
4.3 Setting Limits for Various Sheet Sizes 59
4.4 Drawing Scale 60
4.5 Various Types of Lines and Their Usage 60
4.6 Lettering 62
4.7 Dimensioning 62
4.8 Basic Types of Dimensioning 63
4.8.1 Linear Dimensioning 63
4.8.2 Angular Dimensioning 66
4.8.3 Radial Dimensioning 66
4.9 Title Block 67
4.9.1 Minimum Common Information Recorded on an Engineering Drawing 68
Exercise 68
5. Orthographic Projections 70–101
Introduction 70
5.1 Orthographic Projections 71
5.2 Types of Surfaces 71
5.2.1 Characteristics of Principal Surface 72
5.2.2 Characteristics of Inclined Surface 72
5.2.3 Characteristics of Skew Surface 72
5.2.4 Characteristics of Curved Surface 73
5.3 Concept of Invisible (Hidden) Line 73
5.4 Representation of Curved Surface 75
5.5 Understanding of Object 75
5.5.1 Object as an Assembly 75
5.5.2 Object as a Single Piece 76
5.6 Precedence of Lines 77
5.7 Selection of Views 77
5.8 Types of Drawing 78
5.8.1 One-view Drawing 78
5.8.2 Two-view Drawing 78
5.8.3 Three-view Drawing 78
5.9 Principles of Multiview Drawing 79
5.10 Steps to Draw Orthographic Views 79
5.10.1 Box Method 79
5.10.2 Centre Line Method 79
Exercise 81
 Contents Š vii

6. Isometric Drawing 102–131

Introduction 102
6.1 Divisions of Pictorial Projection 103
6.2 Divisions of Axonometric Projection 103
6.3 Theory of Isometric Projection 103
6.4 Isometric View and Isometric Drawing 104
6.5 Advantages of Isometric Projection 105
6.6 Disadvantages of Pictorial Drawing 105
6.7 Non-isometric Lines 105
6.8 How to Draw an Isometric Drawing? 106
6.8.1 Setting of AutoCAD Screen 106
6.8.2 Methods to Generate an Isometric Drawing 107
6.8.3 Drawing of Rounded Surface in Isometric Drawing 111
Exercise 120

7. Interpretation of Given Views 132–146

Introduction 132
7.1 Visualisation of an Object with Partial Information 133
7.1.1 Correlation of Surfaces 133
7.1.2 3-D Object Imagination with Assembly or Disassembly Approach 134
7.2 Missing Lines 134
7.3 Missing View 134
7.4 Direction of the Observer for the Precedence of Entities 135
7.5 General Guidelines 136
7.6 Validity of an Object 136
Exercise A (Missing Lines) 140
Exercise B (Missing Views) 145

8. Auxiliary Projections 147–164

Introduction 147
8.1 Need of Auxiliary Views 148
8.2 Types of Auxiliary Projection Planes 149
8.3 Techniques to Obtain Auxiliary Views 151
8.3.1 Traditional Drafting Technique 152
8.3.2 AutoCAD Drafting Technique 152
8.3.3 Traditional Drafting Technique 154
8.3.4 AutoCAD Drafting Technique 154
8.3.5 AutoCAD Drafting Technique 156
8.3.6 AutoCAD Drafting Technique 157
Exercise A (Single Auxiliary View) 161
Exercise B (Double Auxiliary View) 162

Part III Descriptive Geometry

9. Projection of Straight Lines 167–192
Introduction 167
9.1 Object in Four Quadrant 168
9.2 2-D Description of Quadrants 169
9.3 Projections of Point 169
9.4 Projection of Lines 172
9.5 Inclined Lines 174
9.6 Projection of a Skew Line 175
9.7 Line Parallel to PP 184
viii Š Contents

9.8 Traces of Line 185

Exercise A (Projection of Straight Lines) 189
Exercise B (Traces of Straight Lines) 191

10. Projection of Planer Surfaces 193–206

Introduction 193
10.1 Planes Under Study 194
10.2 Classification of Planer Surface 194
10.3 Projection of Planer Surface 195
10.3.1 Principal Planes 195
10.3.2 Inclined Planes 196
10.3.3 Oblique Planes 196
10.4 Traces of Planer Surface 203
Exercise 204

11. Various Measurements 207–222

Introduction 207
11.1 Various Measurements 208
11.2 End View of a Line 208
11.3 Distance between a Point and a Line 210
11.4 Shortest Distance between Two Parallel Lines 211
11.5 Intersecting and Non-intersecting Lines 212
11.6 Precedence of Lines 214
11.7 Inclination between Two Lines 215
11.8 Line View of a Plane 217
11.9 Distance between a Point and a Plane 218
11.10 Angle between Two Skew Planes 219
11.11 Angle between a Line and a Plane 221
Exercise 222

12. Projections of Solids 223–246

Introduction 223
12.1 Division of Engineering Solids 224
12.2 Polyhedra 224
12.2.1 Regular Polyhedra 224
12.2.2 Irregular Polyhedra 224
12.3 Solids of Revolution 225
12.4 Projections of Solids 226
12.5 Axis Inclined to One Reference Plane and Parallel to the Other 233
12.6 Transfer of Point(s) from One View to Another 239
Exercise A (Projection of Solids in Simple Position) 243
Exercise B (Projection of Solids with Axis Inclined to One Reference Plane and
Parallel to the other) 245
Exercise C (Transfer of Points) 246

13. Sections of Solids 247–261

Introduction 247
13.1 Section and Section Planes 248
13.2 Types of Section Planes 249
13.3 True Shape of a Section 254
Exercise A (Section of Solids) 257
Exercise B (True Shape of Section) 258
 Contents Š ix

14. Development of Surfaces of Solids 262–283

Introduction 262
14.1 Theory of Development 263
14.2 Methods of Development 263
14.2.1 Parallel-line Development 263
14.2.2 Radial-line Development 265
14.3 Development of Lateral Surfaces Along with Base 275
14.4 Reverse Development 276
Exercise A (Development of Surfaces of Solids) 278
Exercise B (Reverse Development) 282

15 Intersection of Surfaces 284–313

Introduction 284
15.1 Line of Intersection 285
15.2 Rule for Visibility 287
15.3 Intersection of Lines and Solids 287
15.4 Intersection of Plane versus Plane 289
15.5 Intersection of Surfaces of Two Solids 292
15.5.1 Initial Steps 292
15.6 Interpenetration of Two Solids 295
15.6.1 Initial Steps to Solve the Interpenetration Problem 296
Exercise A (Point of Intersection and Line of Intersection) 307
Exercise B (Intersection of Two Solids) 308
Exercise C (Interpenetration of Two Solids) 310

16. Freehand Sketching 314–323

Introduction 314
16.1 Importance of Freehand Sketches 315
16.2 Basic Skills 315
16.3 Proportion in Sketching 315
16.4 Sketching Straight Lines 316
16.5 Sketching Circles, Arcs and Fillets 316
16.6 Sketching Orthographic Views 318
16.7 Sketching Isometric Views 318
16.7.1 Sketching of Isometric Circles in Isometric Block 319
16.7.2 Sketching of Isometric Cylinders 320
Exercise 322

Index 325–326
Preface

Engineering Graphics is the language of the engineers. An engineer requires skill in three areas of
engineering or technical drawing: firstly, he must be proficient to use the tools to produce the
drawings. Secondly, he must be able to draw freehand technical sketches clearly and rapidly.
Thirdly, he must be able to read a drawing.
The need for writing internal course notes on Engineering Graphics was felt in 1998, when the
course was made fully online at BITS Pilani. It did not follow the usual sequence of topics followed
in the traditional method of teaching the course. It had been found to be very successful over the
years. The internal course notes were produced in the way it is being taught at BITS. The present
edition of the book is based on those course notes. Though the book is written on AutoCAD as a
drafting tool, it can be successfully used by the readers following traditional drafting instruments.
The contents in this volume have been divided into three parts. Part I deals with the basic
commands of AutoCAD. It is a widely used drafting package for engineers and architects. It is,
therefore, believed that some hands-on experience in AutoCAD will not only help the students in
learning Engineering Graphics, but also will help them to maintain their cutting edge in the
professional job market. Part II contains the various projection techniques used in engineering for
technical drawings. These techniques have been explained with a number of graphical
representations so that the students can understand the techniques easily. Part III contains
descriptive geometry which mainly deals with three dimensional objects that require imagination.
In this book, the model solutions and exercises have been treated in the third-angle as well as
the first-angle methods of projection according to the revised code of Indian Standard Code of
Practice for General Drawing. All drawings and the textual matter are in conformity with the
specifications of Bureau of Indian Standards (B.I.S.), adopted from I.S.O.
Engineering graphics is not only engineering and science, but also an art of imagination. The
engineering and science can be taught in the class, but the art of imagination can be inculcated by
practising as many exercises as possible. For best results, it is suggested that the exercises should
be solved in practical classes under the supervision of the instructors.
The authors would welcome any constructive suggestions from the readers of this book at
kulkarnidm@gmail.com.

Dhananjay M. Kulkarni
A.P. Rastogi
Ashoke K. Sarkar

xi
Acknowledgements

This book, Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD, is the final outcome of an idea that was originated
in year 2002, when we undertook the task of writing the subject course notes. During the last seven
years we have put in our efforts to produce the revised versions of the course notes, with the help
and support of many well-wishers. Thanks are due for all who have directly or indirectly contributed
to this work.
We thank Prof. L.K. Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor, Prof. K.E. Raman, Director, BITS Pilani, Goa
campus, Prof. V.S. Rao, Director, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus and Prof. M. Ramachandran,
Director, BITS Pilani, Dubai campus for providing us the opportunity to bring out this book. Sincere
appreciation is extended to Prof. R.K. Patnaik, former Dean, Instruction Division, BITS Pilani, who
suggested us to write a book.
We acknowledge the inspiration and support of the students and colleagues over the years that
have led to the writing of this book. We are grateful to the colleagues who have been teaching the
course in BITS Pilani, Dubai, Goa and Hyderabad campuses. Their solicitous comments and
feedback were of great assistance in planning and developing the contents of this text.
We are also grateful to Prof. M.S. Dasgupta for permitting us to use the handouts and problem
sheets that he developed along with Prof. A.P. Rastogi after the course was made fully online at
BITS Pilani.
We are also indebted to the Editor, Ms. Shivani Garg; Copyeditor, Ms. Koyel Chakraborty and
Assistant Production Manager, Mr. Pankaj Manohar of PHI Learning for their guidance and
assistance in developing and producing this work.
Special thanks are extended to Mr. Shreenivasa Paramahamsa and Mr. Avinash Sonee,
students of BITS Pilani, Goa campus, who had initially conceived the concept of the cover page.
Finally, we extend profound and heartfelt thanks to our family members. Without their
encouragement, patience and understanding this endeavour would not have been possible. The first
author would like to express his deep affection and thanks to his parents-in-law, elder brother, wife
Reshma and daughters Vedashree and Sanika for their constant persuasion and moral support.

Dhananjay M. Kulkarni
A.P. Rastogi
Ashoke K. Sarkar

xiii
1
Engineering Graphics:
An Overview

Objectives
Š Knowing Engineering Graphics as a subject.
Š Learning the graphic language.
Š Need of Engineering Graphics.

Introduction
Engineering Graphics is the field of solving graphical problem and includes two areas of
specialisation: working drawings and descriptive geometry. Other areas that can be used for a
wide variety of applications are nomography, graphical mathematics, empirical equations,
technical illustration, vector analysis, data analysis and computer graphics. Graphics is one of
the designer’s primary methods of thinking, solving problems and communicating ideas.

1
2 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

Gaspard Monge (1746–1818)

Gaspard Monge (1746–1818) is the “father of descriptive geometry”. While a military student in
France, young Monge used the graphical methods to solve design problems related to fortifications
and battlements. He was scolded by his headmaster for solving problems graphically instead of the
usual (long and tedious) mathematical process. Only after long explanations and comparisons of
both methods’ solutions, Mongue was able to convince that his graphical methods solved problems
in considerably less time. Descriptive geometry was such an improvement upon the mathematical
method that it was kept a military secret for fifteen years before it was allowed to be taught as part
of the technical curriculum. Monge became a scientific and mathematical aide to Napolean during
his reign as the Emperor of France.

1.1 The Graphic Language

People learned to draw pictures of the objects around them long before they learned to write.
Drawings carved by primitive people on rocks, the walls of caves and so forth have survived to our
day. Many drawings of human beings, animals, fish and so on, made by our forefathers thousands
of years ago, have been found on the eastern shore of lake Onega and on the shores of the White
Sea. These drawings were carved on granite rocks with stone (flint) tools. The ability to make simple
drawings helped man to develop his first written language. There were no words or characters in
ancient writing. Ideas of things were conveyed by pictures of the things themselves.
Engineering drawing is a graphic language, a universal language, a language of use and of ever-
increasing value. Like every other systematised language it has its rules of grammar. To express
ourselves in a literate fashion, we must master, as it were, laws of syntax and of concord. Just as
in our English books we are warned against the improper use of words in sentences, likewise, in
our study of engineering drawing we shall be warned against the improper use of lines in drawings.
Each word in a well-constructed sentence has its function; each line on a well-executed drawing has
its function too. Drawings, then, to those initiated into the language, become articulate vehicles of
expression between the drawing-office and workshop, between the textbook and the student.
With a very little application we shall master the rules of the universal graphic language, and thus
be able to not only express ourselves in it on drawing paper, but also to understand the expression
of it by another. In a word, we set out to learn to draw so that our ideas may readily be interpreted
by others and to read drawings so as to gather a clear mental picture of what another wishes to
convey to us.
 CHAPTER 1: Engineering Graphics: An Overview Š 3

1.2 Need of Engineering Graphics

Without a good knowledge of engineering graphics, engineers and scientists are nowhere. An
engineer or a scientist needs skill in three areas: firstly, he must be able to imagine; secondly, he
must be able to draw clearly and rapidly; thirdly, he must be able to read the drawings drawn by
others. This course develops imagination skill, drawing skill and reading skill in the early part of
engineers’ education, which is repeatedly used in successive courses.
Engineering design uses engineering graphics as the way to communicate and document ideas.
By studying engineering graphics, student becomes aware of how the industry communicates
technical information. Engineering graphics teaches the principles of accuracy and clarity in
presenting the information necessary to produce products. It offers students an insight into the
methods of attacking engineering and scientific problems. Its lessons teach the principles of
accuracy, exactness and positiveness with regard to the information necessary for the production of
non-existing object or structure. Finally, it develops the imagination skill that is essential to the
creation of successful design.

1.3 Objectives of Course

Engineers and scientists are constantly engaged in creative and productive work. Rapid advances
in technological world demand engineers and scientists to invent new devices, to improve existing
ones, to optimise the use of resources and to reduce the time and cost of production. Proficiency
in Engineering Graphics will be of considerable aid in achieving these aims.
The objective of this course is to develop a clear understanding of the basic principles involved
in engineering drawings. The basic principles of Engineering Graphics help an engineer and scientist
in communicating their ideas through engineering drawings. Apart from basic principles, this course
teaches the use of standardised practices and conventions in the preparation of engineering
drawings.
PART I
AutoCAD
2
Computer Aided Drafting

Objectives
Š Study of AutoCAD software for the Engineering Graphics course.
Š Know the required AutoCAD commands for the course.
Š Practice AutoCAD commands to acquire a drawing skill.

Introduction
An engineering drawing is prepared by using conventional tools. Traditionally, drawing board,
drafter, T-square, drawing sheet and other drafting instruments have been used. The popular
alternative now is to prepare engineering drawing with the aid of computer. This method is
known as Computer Aided Drafting and is abbreviated as CAD. The CAD requires computer
hardware and drawing software. The user needs a good training on the drawing software, which
can reduce the time of drawing. The advantages, applications of computer aided drafting
system and the required commands for Engineering Graphics course are covered in this
Chapter.

7
8 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

2.1 Computer Aided Drafting System

A computer aided drafting system consists of computer hardware (CPU, monitor, key board and
mouse) and drawing software. This system totally eliminates the traditional equipments like drawing
board, drafter, scales, various grades of pencils etc. More important is this system completely
eliminates a human skill of drawing. The well known software used for engineering drawing is
AutoCAD developed by a company AutoDesk.
An engineer designing a new engineering element (machine/building/electronic circuit) can view
a drawing on the screen. He can make the drawing to turn slowly, thus providing different views. He
can quickly make changes, which will be instantaneously shown on the screen. The changes will
also get recorded in the storage. He can reduce or enlarge any part of the drawing and can show
the various components in different colours. He can also test the performance of the design through
a simulation exercise. Overall, the design cycle is reduced drastically and the new car can be on
the road in a remarkably short time.

2.1.1 Advantages of Computer Aided Drafting

There are many advantages of computer aided drafting system over the traditional drafting system.
A few advantages are listed over here.
1. The computer has tremendous speed and it has almost unlimited storage and rapid recall
capabilities. This results in reduction of drafting labour and drafting time.
2. The drawing can be stored in 'database' for future use by different programmers for variety
of applications.
3. With the ability to interact with the computer, we can quickly correct a drawing error and see
a revised picture on the graphic screen.
4. Visual modeling of any object or engineering component is possible.
5. When we use computer aided drawing for a drawing containing the same component at
several places, we can draw the component once and then insert it wherever needed.
6. Colour graphics help to display more distinct information on the screen, highlight certain
important features, etc.
7. The computer aided drawing can be exported to commercial analysis software for analysis
purpose.
8. Computer aided design and drafting is used in the creation, modification, analysis and
optimization of designs for improved engineering productivity. An engineer can try out
different design ideas by just sitting at the terminal without making any prototype.

2.1.2 Applications of Computer Aided Drafting

Computer aided drawing applications in various fields of engineering are given here.
(i) Mechanical: Design of machine elements, CNC machine tools, Robotics.
(ii) Automotive: Kinematics, Hydraulics, Steering.
(iii) Electrical: Circuit layout, Panel design, control system.
(iv) Electronics: Schematic diagrams of PCs, Ics, etc.
(v) Communication: Communication network, satellite transmitting pictures, T.V. telecasting.
(vi) Civil: Mapping, contour plotting, building drawing, structural design.
(vii) Architectural: Town planning, interior decorations, multi storyed complex.
(viii) Aerospace: Design of spacecraft, flight simulator, lofting, etc.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 9

2.2 AutoCAD: Drafting Software

AutoDesk, the developer of ‘AutoCAD software’ is the world-leading supplier of computer aided
design and drawing software packages. The AutoCAD automates repetitive design and drawing
tasks. We can create and erase drawing with ease. Since its inception in 1982, the company has
introduced a family of software packages for use in a wide range of industries. It has hit the technical
world like a shock wave, revolutionizing the manner of drawing operation. Any technical person can
use this software with ease and without bothering to learn computer programming.
In October, 1988, AutoDesk launched AutoCAD release 10 (R10) with 3-D enhancement was
launched, which become very popular in DOS based system. The present version is ‘AutoCAD2008’.
For a first year course on Engineering Drawing, instead of windows based version of AutoCAD
software, the DOS based version is used. It offers many advantages.

2.2.1 Advantages of AutoCAD R10

R10 graphic screen is broad and suitable for the basic course of engineering drawing. This graphic
screen helps to accommodate number of drawings for practical assignments as well as for online
examinations. AutoCAD, R10 is both command based and menu based version. Like the windows
based version of AutoCAD, icons are not present in R-10. It teaches basics of 2-D and 3-D drawing
and solid modeling which is easy to learn for first year students. The R10 version is now open source
software and can be downloaded from internet.
The commands which are required only for course on Engineering Graphics are explained here
as it appears in the AutoCAD software. The commands are shown with the help of capital letters
throughout the text book wherever these are required to mention. The features of response of
required command during command operation are explained here.

2.2.2 Key Points and Important Guidelines During Command Operation

1. AutoCAD does not have any unit like meter or millimeter. It has got its own unit called as
AutoCAD unit.
2. Prompt means an instruction or symbol asking user to implement the next operation.
3. The input at the command prompt is case insensitive (capital letters or small letters can be
input).
There are only two important instructions for user. These instructions are enclosed in
square bracket as shown in (4) and (5).
4. [Enter] to instruct ‘Press Enter Key’
5. [Select ……….] to instruct ‘Select Object’. The cursor is converted into a target box to
select entity (object) in AutoCAD.
6. The parenthesis is used for user (information) during command steps.
7. Text in angle bracket e.g. <Diameter> gives a default option.
8. Other options are shown separated by an oblique sign: Xyz/Pqr/Abc <lmn>:
In this response shown above, the lmn option is a default option. To activate other options
first capital letter is required to be typed. e.g. to activate Xyz option, X needs to be typed and
to activate Pqr option, P needs to be typed.
9. Use of Mouse for AutoCAD software (Fig. 2.1).

(a) Left button

(i) To select object
(ii) To select location
(iii) To create a window to cover an object or number of objects
10 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

(b) Right button

(i) Instead of Enter Key this is used, wherever [Enter] instruction is given.
(ii) To cancel current command.
(iii) To carry forward just previous command used instead of typing the same.

(c) Mouse is required to be dragged to create a window or to displace an object from one location to
another location.

Right

Left

Fig. 2.1 Use of mouse in AutoCAD.

2.2.3 Getting Started with AutoCAD R10

The version R10 of AutoCAD is a DOS (Disc Operating System) based software. Let the DOS
prompt C:\> appear on the screen (prompt means instruction or symbol asking user to implement
the next operation). Follow the given procedure
C:\>cd acad10
C:\ACAD10> acad
(Now we will reach to main menu of AutoCAD 10)
0. Exit AutoCAD
1. Begin a NEW drawing
2. Edit an EXISTING drawing
3. Plot a drawing
4. Printer plot a drawing
5. ConFig. AutoCAD
6. File utilities
7. Compile shape/font description file
8. Convert old drawing file
Enter selection: 1 [Enter]
Enter name of drawing: 9A312201 [Enter]
The name of drawing file is designed for BITS format. The name of drawing can accommodate
maximum eight digits. In the given format, the first digit indicates a year of admission. Second and
third digits indicate the branch of Engineering/Science. Fourth, fifth and sixth digits indicate an
identity number which is unique for a particular year of admission. Last two digits indicate the
assignment number.
(Now we will enter into main AutoCAD screen)
Figure 2.2 shows an outline of R-10 AutoCAD graphic screen. There are four regions: Pull down
menu on the top, Main menu on the right, drawing area for drawing objects and command prompt
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 11

Fig. 2.2 Graphic screen of R-10 AutoCAD.

region. There are two options for drawing. We can use menu to reach to a required command or
its options. Otherwise, we can use a required AutoCAD command directly at the command prompt.
AutoCAD users are encouraged to use command at the command prompt than the menu option for
Engineering Graphics. In menu option, one has to enter into depth to search for a particular option.
The command option reduces the search time to a great extent.
All higher version of AutoCAD are windows based. A snap shot of R14 version of AutoCAD is
shown in Fig. 2.3.

2.3 Initial Setup Commands

Initial setup commands are used to set technical aspect of drawing sheet. Various technical aspects
of drawing sheet are discussed in Chapter-4 in detail.

LIMITS
This command is used to set the limits of the rectangular graphic screen area i.e. the X and Y
coordinate limits. For all drawing assignments we will be using full screen limits to create maximum
drawing area.
Command: LIMITS [Enter]
ON/OFF/<Lower left corner> <0.0000,0.0000>: [Enter]
Upper right corner <11.5, 8.00>: [select upper-right corner]
The limits shown in angle bracket are defined in AutoCAD unit. The limits of rectangular area are
set as per the drawing sheet size. This is discussed in Chapter-4 in detail.
12 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

Fig. 2.3 R-14 AutoCAD graphic screen.

GRID
This command is used to introduce non-printing equally spaced grids (dots) in the workspace area
defined by the LIMITS command. The grid spacing in X- and Y-directions can be specified. Two
grids define one grid spacing. Four grid spacing (5 grids) define 1 AutoCAD unit. Therefore, one grid
spacing is 0.25 AutoCAD unit. We will use grid at a spacing of 0.25 units, as in the grid paper shown
in Annexure.
Command: GRID [Enter]
Grid spacing (X) or ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect <current>: 0.25 [Enter]

SNAP
This command is used to set the movement (or jumping) of cursor on the graphic screen from one
grid point to adjacent grid point.
Command: SNAP [Enter]
Snap spacing or ON/OFF/Aspect/Rotate/Style <1.0000>:0.25 [Enter]

AXIS
The AXIS command controls the display of axis, or ruler lines, along the edge of the graphics
display.
Command: AXIS [Enter]
Tick spacing (X) or ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect <0.0000>: 0.25 [Enter]
Using initial setup commands, the plotting area is prepared as shown in Fig. 2.4.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 13

TOOLS DRAW MODIFY DISPLAY SETTINGS OPTIONS FILE HELP AutoCAD

****
Set up

BLOCKS
DIM
DISPLAY
DRAW
EDIT
INQUIRY
LAYER
SETTINGS
PLOT
UCS
UTILITY

3D
ASHADE
SAVE
Loading acad.lsp…loaded
Loaded menu C:\ACAD.mnx
Command:

Fig. 2.4

2.4 Utility Commands

These are general commands which are used to operate the drawing file.

HELP
This command is used to know more about a specific command. Type HELP followed by command
name for the on-line help about that command. The help will be displayed on to a text screen, which
is at the back of graphic screen. In order to flip back to the graphics screen, function key F1 is
pressed. Following command explanation shows help for a DRAW command.
Command: HELP DRAW [Enter]
(Now you will reach to back of graphics screen where the explanation of DRAW command will be
available.

END
This command is used to exit from drawing file. This command will save the file automatically and
main menu will appear on the screen.
Command: END [Enter]

QUIT
The QUIT command exits from the Drawing Editor, discarding all updates to the current drawing, and
returns you to the main menu. To exit entirely, select item 0 from the main menu.
14 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

Command: QUIT [Enter]

Really want to discard all changes to drawing? (Y/N)
If YES is replied then the changes are discarded. It is advised not to use this command. The
END command is always preferred over the QUIT command, which ends the drawing process and
saves the changes automatically.

SAVE
This command is used to save the drawing file. This command should be used frequently in order
to save changes and to avoid power failure problem if any.
Command: SAVE [Enter]
SAVE<current file name>: filename [Enter]
Make use of either right button of mouse OR Ctrl + C keys together to interrupt the drawing process
and return to the command prompt.

2.5 Drawing Aids

There are various control modes, which are frequently required while drawing. These are operated
by function keys, which are also called as toggle keys.

Function key Use of function or toggle keys

F1 To flip back to text screen from graphic screen and vice a versa.
F6 To turn the coordinates ON or OFF
F7 To turn the grid ON or OFF
F8 To turn Ortho ON or OFF. In Ortho ON mode, only orthogonal (horizontal or
vertical) cursor movement is possible. The default setting is OFF. If OFF,
angular movement of cursor is responded.
F9 To turn the snap ON or OFF. If ON, the cursor jump from one grid to another
grid. If OFF, the cursor can move with a fine movement.

2.6 Entity Draw Commands

POINT
This command is used to specify a point on an object. The appearance of point in drawing is
governed by the PDMODE & PDSIZE system variable. PDMODE command sets the mode of point
as per requirement. Two important modes of POINT are cross (x) mode and plus (+) mode. PDSIZE
command sets the size (height and width) of point entity.

Command: PDMODE [Enter]

PDMODE: 3 [Enter]
Command: PDSIZE [Enter]
PDSIZE: 0.25 [Enter]
Command: POINT [Enter]
POINT: [Select mid point location of length and height of rectangle]
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 15

LINE
The LINE command is used to draw a straight line. Line can be drawn by providing with the
coordinate of a point (we will be using 2 D points only) or by selecting x-y location with the left button
of mouse.

Command: LINE [Enter]

From point: [select P1]
To point: [select P2]
To point: [select P3]
To point: [select P4]

Other options to draw line:

1. C: This option draws a line from the last point to the first point
entered when the LINE command was invoked and makes a
polygon. Previous To point prompt is continued here to explain
this option.
To point: [select point say P4]
To point: C [Enter]

2. U: While LINE command is in operation (i.e. at To Point prompt),

use of UNDO command undoes the last line drawn.
To point: U [Enter]
3. LINE from or to specific point
Command: LINE [Enter]
From point: [select A]
To point: [select B]
To point: [select C]
To point: Mid (for mid point location of AB) [Enter]
Mid point of: [select line 'AB' with target box]
To point: Per (for perpendicular location) [Enter]
Per to: [select line 'BC' with target box]
To point: End (for end point location) [Enter]
End point of: [select line AB with target box, near to A]
To point: Tan (for tangent location) [Enter]
Tan to: [select arc with target box]
To point: Cen (for center location) [Enter]
Center of: [select arc with target box]
To point: Int (for intersection location) [Enter]
Intersection of: [select intersection point of CM & AP]
To point: [Ctrl + C or click right button of mouse to come to
command prompt]
4. Using length and angle
This option is used to draw a line of specific length at specific
angle. E.g. it is required to draw a line of 2.25 AutoCAD unit at
an angle of 30°.
The angle is measured from +ve X-axis in anticlockwise
direction.
Command: LINE [Enter]
From point: [select P]
To point: @2.25<30 [Enter]
16 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

CIRCLE
This command is used to draw a circle based on input of a center point and diameter or radius.
Three more options to draw a circle are also explained here.
Command: CIRCLE [Enter]
3P/2P/TTR/<Center Point>: [select center point location]
Diameter/<Radius>: [drag the mouse for required radius and click
left button]
In this example, radius of circle is 1 AutoCAD unit (4 grid spacings).
1. TTR option
Circle C1 & C2 are drawn. It is required to draw a circle C3 with
0.75 AutoCAD unit radius and tangent to C1 & C2.
Command: CIRCLE [Enter]
3P/2P/TTR/<Center Point>: TTR [Enter]
Enter tangent specification: [select circle C1]
Enter second tangent specification: [select circle C2]
Radius: 0.75 [Enter]

2. Use of 2P (2 points) option to draw a circle

Command: CIRCLE [Enter]
3P/2P/TTR/<Center Point>: 2P [Enter]
First point on diameter: [select P]
Second point on diameter: [select Q]
3. Use of 3P (3 points) option to draw a circle
Command: CIRCLE [Enter]
3P/2P/TTR/<Center Point>: 3P [Enter]
First point: [select P]
Second point: [select Q]
Third point: [select R]

ARC
This command is used to draw an arc based on input of center point and diameter or radius.
Command: ARC [Enter]
<Start point>/center: C (for center option) [Enter]
Center point: [select O]
Start point: [select P1]
End point : [select P2]
The other available options are:
1. 3 points
2. Start, Center, End (SCE)
3. Start, Center, Angle (SCA)
4. Start, Center, Length (SCL)
5. Start, End, Angle (SEA)
6. Start, End, Direction (SED)
7. Start, End, Radius (SER)
8. Center, Start, End (CSE) explained here
9. Center, Start, Angle (CSA)
10. Center, Start, Length (CSL)
CSE is a frequently used option in Engineering Graphics.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 17

POLYGON
This command is used to draw a regular triangle, square, pentagon and hexagon. A polygon is a
poly-line object. AutoCAD draws poly-lines with zero width. It can draw regular 2-D polygons with
3 to 1024 sides.
Command: POLYGON [Enter]
Number of sides: 3 [Enter]
Edge/<Center of Polygon>: E [Enter]
First endpoint of edge: [select point P1]
Second endpoint of edge: [select point P2]
Depending upon the selection of location of P1 and P2, polygon
with various orientations can be drawn.

To draw a POLYGON of specific edge length and of specific

orientation.
Command: POLYGON [Enter]
Number of sides: 4 [Enter]
Edge/<Center of Polygon>: E [Enter]
First endpoint of edge: [select P1]
Second endpoint of edge: @1.5<30 [Enter]

PLINE
This command is used to draw a poly-line i.e. continuous line segments. The number of segments
drawn in one operation becomes a single entity. User can control the width of PLINE.
Command: PLINE [Enter]
From point: [select P1]
Current line width is 0.0000 [Enter]
Arc/Close/Half width/Length/Undo/Width/<Endpoint of line>:
W [Enter]
Starting width <0.0000>: 0.025 [Enter]
Ending width <0.000>: 0.025 [Enter]
Arc/Close/Half width/Length/Undo/width/<Endpoint of line>:
[select P2]

Similarly, a PLINE with width 0.05 AutoCAD unit is drawn. The PLINE command can be used to
draw a taper line as shown. The PLINE command is used to draw a series of lines as shown. The
PEDIT command is used to fit a smooth curve passing through all key points of series of lines.

HATCH
This command is used to show a cut section of an engineering solid. This command is also used
to HATCH two adjacent areas which are made from different materials. You can fill a boundary that
consists of an object or objects that completely enclose an area. The area to be hatched should have
closed boundary. There are various patterns to hatch the area. In Engineering Graphics, we use a
Universal (U) pattern to show the sections of solids. Other patterns are shown in Plate 2.9.
Command: HATCH [Enter]
Enter pattern name [?/Solid/User defined] <U>: U (for universal pattern) [Enter]
Angle for crosshatch lines <0>: 45 [Enter]
Spacing between lines <1.00>: 0.125 [Enter]
18 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

Double hatch area? <N>: [Enter] (for No option)

Select objects: [select inner square in case 1 and both, inner and
outer in case 2]
If two cut sections are adjacent to each other then hatch lines in two
sections should be mutually perpendicular to each other as shown in
case-3.

DTEXT
This command is used to describe an object or specify notes on electronic drawing sheet. You can
enter several lines of text using DTEXT. Each line of text is a separate object.
Command: DTEXT [Enter]
Justify/Style/ <Start point>: [select location]
Height <0.200>: [specify required value]
Rotation angle <0>: [specify required]
Text: 2001C6PS337 [Enter]
Text: Balaji Rao K [Enter]
Text: BITS-Pilani
Text: Rajasthan [press enter to end the text command]

With the DTEXT command, we can prepare the title block. Now we are ready to prepare our
standard file. In Fig. 2.5, we can draw a border line using a LINE command and ORTHO ON option.
We can draw a title block with the help of a LINE command. We can type required text in the title
block. This is shown in Fig. 2.5.

Fig. 2.5
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 19

2.7 Display Commands

REDRAW
This command is used to redraw the screen and to remove any non-printing marks left by previous
commands. This command should be used frequently to keep the drawing file clear.
Command: REDRAW
Instead of REDRAW, R can be used as a short form to activate the command.

ZOOM
This command is used to increase the apparent size of object in the current view port.

Command: ZOOM [Enter]

All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Left/Previous/Window/
<Scale (x)>: W [Enter]
First corner: [select upper left location outside the Fig.]
Other corner: [select lower right location outside the Fig.]

Normal view Zoomed view

Three options are useful for Engineering Graphics. A is for All, P is for Previous and W is for
Windows. The Previous option is used to reach to the previous view port. The All option is used to
reach a normal screen view. The user is always advised to edit a particular object in zoomed view
in order to be able to draw comfortably with AutoCAD and thereby reduce the time of drawing.

2.8 Edit Commands

ERASE
AutoCAD removes objects from the drawing. If it is a single entity then a target box ( ) can be used
to select a particular object to be removed. Otherwise a window is created to cover number of
objects.
Command: ERASE [Enter]
Select objects: [select desired objects to erase with target box]
Select objects: [select another object to erase]
Select objects: [press enter to end the object selection process if it is over]
Command: ERASE (with windows option for more than one object)
Select objects: W [Enter]
First corner: [select point nearest to top-left of the object]
Other corner: [select point nearest to bottom-right of the object]
Select objects: [press enter here to end the selection process or click a right button of mouse]

OOPS
OOPS restores objects erased by the last ERASE command.
Command: OOPS [Enter]
20 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

UNDO (U for UNDO)

With UNDO command, whatever is done in previous command is undone. e.g. if an object is drawn
in the previous command, UNDO command removes the same. On the other hand, if an object is
erased in the last command, the UNDO command restores the same. However OOPS command
restores only the last erased object.

MOVE
This command displaces object from current location to the desired location with a specified distance
in a specified direction without changing the orientation and size.
Command: MOVE [Enter]
Select objects: W [Enter]
First corner: [select]
Other corner: [select]
Base point or displacement: [select O1]
Second point of displacement: [select O2]
Instead of giving displacement in terms of numerical value in AutoCAD unit, we use a base point
option. The base point is to be carefully selected, as this is the point with respect to which the object
is moving. Generally the base point should be either corner or center of the object.

COPY
This command is used to duplicate object(s). The response steps of this COPY command are similar
to the MOVE command. In this case, an original object remains in its position and only a replica of
an object is moved to the second point of displacement. There are two options: single copy and
multiple copies.
1. Single copy
Command: COPY [Enter]
Select objects: W [Enter]
First corner: [select top-left corner outside the object]
Other corner: [select bottom-right corner outside the object]
Select object : [Enter here if the selection is over]
<Base point or displacement>/Multiple: [select O1]
Second point of displacement: [select O2]

2. Multiple copy
Command: COPY [Enter]
Select objects: W [Enter]
First corner: [select top-left corner outside the object]
Other corner: [select bottom-right corner outside the object]
Select objects: [Enter]
<Base point or displacement>/Multiple: M [Enter]
Base point: [select O1]
Second point of displacement: [select O2]
Second point of displacement: [select O3]
Second point of displacement: [select O4]
Second point of displacement: [Enter]

ROTATE
This command is used to move an object to a new angular position (orientation) about a base point.
The rotation angle can be entered relative to a line or as an absolute angle measured counter
clockwise from the original poison. Following example shows, the rotation of a square through 45°
in ccw direction about base point ‘B’.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 21

Command: ROTATE [Enter]

Select objects: [select object by target box or W option)
Select objects: [Enter]
Base point: [select B]
<Rotation angle>/reference: 45 [Enter]
The angular position can also be adjusted with the help of mouse.

MIRROR
This command is used to form a mirror image of an object. The result of this command is an object,
symmetric to the original object and place equally back to the mirror. The mirror command involves
first selecting the object to mirror and then defining a mirror location by entering the starting and
ending point of a mirror line.
Command: MIRROR [Enter]
Select object: W [Enter]
First corner: [select]
Other corner: [select]
First point of mirror line: [select P]
Second point: [select Q]
Delete old object? N: [Enter] (Y, if yes)
The starting and end points of MIRROR line are shown as cross
mode point

CHANGE
This command is used to change the properties of existing objects. We will be often required to
change the type of line and colour of objects.
Change of Line Type
To change a solid continuous line (default type bylayer) to various
types of lines, following are the command steps.
Command: CHANGE
Select objects: [select line AB]
Select objects: [Enter]
Properties/<Change point>: P [Enter]
Change what property (Color/Elev/Ltype/LTscale/Thickness)?
Lt [Enter]
New linetype <BYLAYER>: hidden [Enter]
Change what property (Color/Elev/Ltype/LTscale/Thickness)?: [Enter]
Following similar steps, the bylayer line can be changed into various
options shown.
Following similar steps, the default colour can be changed into
various colours.
Command: CHANGE [Enter]
Select objects: [select line AB]
Select objects: [Enter]
Properties/<Change point>: P
Change what property Color/Elev/Ltype/LTscale/Thickness)?
C [Enter]
New colour <BYLAYER>: red [Enter]
Change what property (Color/Elev/Ltype/LTscale/Thickness)?: [Enter]
22 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

ARRAY
This command is used to create multiple copies of object(s) in a rectangular/polar pattern.
Polar ARRAY
To draw 12 radial lines in a circle following are the command steps.
Command: ARRAY [Enter]
Select object: [select line OP]
Select object: [Enter]
Rectangular or Polar (R/<P>): P [Enter]
Base/<Specify center point of array>: cen [Enter]
Centre of: [click circle with target box]
Number of items: 12 [Enter]
Angle to fill (+=ccw, -=cw) <360>: 360 [Enter]
Rotate objects as they are copied? <Y>: [Enter]
Rectangular ARRAY
It is required to create multiple copies of a square object in X & Y
directions. Following are the command steps.
Command: ARRAY [Enter]
Select objects: (R/P): R [Enter]
Select objects: [Enter]
Number of rows (---)<1>: 6 [Enter]
Numbers of Columns ( | | | ) <1>: 5 [Enter]
Distance between rows (---): 0.75 [Enter]
Distance between columns (iii): 0.75 [Enter]

TRIM
This command is used to trim an object so that it ends precisely at a cutting edge (intersection
points).
It is required to remove segments of lines AB &
CD trapped by line PQ & RS.
Similarly, it is required to remove segments of
lines PQ & RS trapped by line AB & CD
Command: TRIM [Enter]
Select cutting edge(s)
Select objects: [select PQ]
Select objects: [select RS]
Select objects: [Enter]
Select object to trim: [select the portion of AB &
CD covered by PQ & RS]
Select object to trim: [Enter]
Following similar steps, the portion of PQ & RS covered by AB &
CD is trimmed.

BREAK
This command is used to erase part of object or splits an object in to two at required location. We
will often require changing part of a line to hidden. In order to do that the line needs to be broken
at specified location and redraw in the same portion.
Command: BREAK [Enter]
Select object: [specify object to be broken] (line AB)]
Enter second point (or F for first point): F [Enter]
Enter first point (point to one end of deletion): [Enter]
Enter second point (point to other end of deletion): [select S]
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 23

EXTEND
This command is used to lengthen a line/arc so that it precisely touches a boundary defined by
another line/arc. The steps are self-explanatory.
It is required to extend a line PQ so that it touches line AB.
Command: EXTEND [Enter]
Select boundary edge(s)
Select objects: [select line AB as a boundary edge]
Select objects: [Enter]
Select object to extend: [select line PQ near to
end point Q]
Following similar steps, arc PQ also can be extended
to touch line AB as shown in adjacent Fig.

FILLET
This command is used to fit a smooth curve between two lines /arcs. It involves two stages, first to
define a fillet radius, second filleting.
Command: FILLET [Enter]
Polyline/Radius/trim/<select first object>: R [Enter]
Enter fillet radius <0.25>: 0.5 [Enter]
Command: FILLET [Enter]
Polyline/Radius/trim/<select first object>: [select L1]
Select second object: [select L2]

OFFSET
This command creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves. The concentric circles
and concentric squares are drawn using offset command. The entity to be offset should be a single
entity.
Command: OFFSET [Enter]
Offset distance or through <Through>: T [Enter]
Select object to offset: [Select outer circle]
Through point: [select point inside the outer circle]

DIVIDE
This command lets you to divide an entity into specified number of equal parts. Before use of DIVIDE
command, the point should be set with PDMODE: 3 and PDSIZE: 0.125

Command: DIVIDE [Enter]

Select object to divide: [select line AB]
<Number of segments>/Block: 6 [Enter]
Following similar steps, of command, circle is divided into
6 segments.

MEASURE
This command lets you to divide an entity with a specified distance, starting from the end, which is
nearer to the target box placed for selection. Before use of MEASURE command, the point should
be set with PDMODE: 3 and PDSIZE: 0.125.
24 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

Command: MEASURE [Enter]

Select object to measure: [select line AB]
<Segment length>/Block: 0.5 [Enter]
Following similar steps, of command, arc is divided into 6 segments
with 0.5 unit of division.

EXPLODE
This command is used to break entities say a polyline or polygons into individual lines.

Polygon is a single entity. By EXPLODE command the sides of the

polygon will be an individual entity.
Command: EXPLODE [Enter]
Select objects: [select polygon]

PEDIT
This command is used to edit polyline. In engineering graphics, this is used to fit a smooth curve
passing through the key points of entity.

Command: PEDIT [Enter]

Select polyline: [select PLINE]
Close/Join/Width/Edit vertex/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen
/Undo/eXit <X>: F (for fit)
Following similar steps, of command, PLINE is converted into a
spline.

DIST
This command is used to display the distance between two selected points and the angle of the line
joining the first point to the second. Note that the scale, displaying angle is rounded to nearest
degree.

Command: DIST [Enter]

First point: [select A]
Second point: [select B]
Length = 2.5739, Angle in XY Plane = 29, Angle from XY Plane = 0
Delta X = 2.2500, Delta Y = 1.2500, Delta Z = 0.0000

LIST
This command is used to display exhaustive list of data stored about the selected object(s). The
screen flips to the text mode.

Command: LIST [Enter]

Select objects: [select circle]
Center point, X = 7.2500 Y = 2.0000 Z = 0.0000
Radius = 1.0000; Circumference = 6.2832
Area = 3.1416
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 25

Exercise (Practice of AutoCAD Commands)

1 AutoCAD Unit = 4 grid spacing = 100 mm
2.1 Draw Figs. shown in Plate 2.1 using LINE command.
2.2 Draw Figs. shown in Plate 2.2 (P.1 to P.9) using LINE and CIRCLE command.
2.3 Draw Figs. shown in Plate 2.2 (P.10 to P.27) using LINE, CIRCLE and ARC command.
2.4 Draw Figs. shown in Plate 2.2 (P.28 to P.45) using LINE, CIRCLE, ARC and ELLIPSE
command.
2.5 Draw Figs. shown in Plate 2.2 (P.46 to P.54). Every Fig. has two views aligned vertically.
2.6 Two lines AB, BC along with an arc exist as shown in P.1/Plate 2.3. Draw lines CM, MP, PE
and ET using Mid, Perpendicular, End and Tangent, options of LINE command.
2.7 Two lines AB, BC along with a circle exist as shown in P.2/Plate 2.3. Draw lines CM, MP,
PE and ET, TO and OI using Mid, Perpendicular, End, Tangent, Center and Intersection
options of LINE command.
2.8 Draw a line AB, 200 mm long and at an angle of 30° as shown in P.3/Plate 2.3.
2.9 Draw a PLINE with width 0.0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0. Draw a taper line with width
0.2 at one end and width 0.75 at another end. This is shown in P.4/Plate 2.3.
2.10 Two smaller circles exist as shown in P.5/Plate 2.3. Draw a third circle touching the smaller
two with TTR option of CIRCLE command and radius R = 1.50 AutoCAD unit as shown.
2.11 Two smaller circles exist as shown in P.6/Plate 2.3. Draw a third circle touching the smaller
two with TTR option of CIRCLE command and radius R = 1.25 AutoCAD unit as shown.
2.12 Draw a bylayer (continuous) line of 400 mm length. DIVIDE it into 4 numbers of segments
with cross mode of point as shown in P.1/Plate 2.4. (POINT with cross mode and size 0.25
should be set in your file before use of this command).
2.13 Draw a bylayer (continuous) line of 400 mm length. Divide it into equal number of segments
using MEASURE command and cross mode of point. Each segment has length of 60 mm.
2.14 Draw an arc and DIVIDE it into 6 numbers of segments with cross mode of point as shown
in P.3/Plate 2.4.
2.15 Draw an arc and divide it into equal number of segments using MEASURE command and
with cross mode of point. Each segment has length of 75 mm as shown in P.4/Plate 2.4.
2.16 Lines AB, BC and PQ are existing as shown in P.5/Plate 2.4. EXTEND the line PQ to meet
line AB. Also, EXTEND the line BC to meet the line PQ.
2.17 Line PQ and an arc AB are existing as shown in P.6/Plate 2.4. EXTEND the arc AB to meet
the line PQ.
2.18 Draw a circle with 175 mm diameter. DIVIDE it into 6 equal numbers of parts as shown in
P.7/Plate 2.4.
2.19 Draw an ellipse with 125 mm major radius and 75 mm minor radius. DIVIDE it into 8 equal
numbers of parts as shown in P.8/Plate 2.4.
2.20 A circle and an arc are existing as shown in P.9/Plate 2.4. EXTEND the arc to intersect the
circle.
2.21 Draw a square with 250 mm diagonal length. DIVIDE it into 12 equal numbers of parts as
shown in P.10/Plate 2.4.
26 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

PLATE 2.1

PLATE 2.2
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 27

PLATE 2.3

PLATE 2.4
28 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

2.22 Draw a pentagon of 75 mm edge length using POLYGON command with (a) one edge
horizontal, (b) one edge vertical as shown in P.1/Plate 2.5.
2.23 Draw a hexagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with Circumscribed
option (C) as shown in P.2/Plate 2.5.
2.24 Draw a pentagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with Circumscribed
option (C) as shown in P.3/Plate 2.5.
2.25 Draw a hexagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with Inscribed option
(I) as shown in P.4/Plate 2.5.
2.26 Draw a pentagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with Inscribed option
(I) as shown in P.5/Plate 2.5
2.27 Draw a square of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with one edge (P1-P2)
at an angle of 30° as shown in P.6/Plate 2.5.
2.28 Draw a pentagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command with one edge (P1-P2)
at an angle of 45° as shown in P.7/Plate 2.5.
2.29 Draw an arrow as shown in P.8/Plate 2.5. Use OFFSET command to draw outside arrow.
2.30 Draw a hexagon of 100 mm edge length using POLYGON command. Use OFFSET
command to draw inside hexagons as shown in P.9/Plate 2.5.
2.31 Draw a PLINE as shown in P.10/Plate 2.5. Use a F (Fit) option to fit the PLINE into a curve.
Use a S (Spline) option to fit the PLINE into a spline curve.
2.32 Draw a PLINE as shown in P.11/Plate 2.5. Use a S (Spline) option to fit the PLINE into a
spline curve. (PLINE is shown in hidden status as it is converted into a Spline curve).

PLATE 2.5
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 29

2.33 Draw two PLINEs crossing each other as shown in P.12/Plate 2.5. Use a F (Fit) option to fit
the PLINEs into curves.
2.34 Draw a PLINE as shown in P.13/Plate 2.5. Use a F (Fit) option to fit the PLINE into a spiral.
2.35 Draw a design as shown in P.1/Plate 2.6.
2.36 Draw a design as shown in P.2/Plate 2.6.
2.37 Draw a design as shown in P.3/Plate 2.6.
2.38 Draw a design as shown in P.4/Plate 2.6.
2.39 Draw a design as shown in P.5/Plate 2.6.
2.40 Draw a design as shown in P.6/Plate 2.6.
2.41 Draw a design as shown in P.7/Plate 2.6.
2.42 DIVIDE a circular sector into 12 equal numbers of parts as shown in P.8/Plate 2.6.
2.43 Draw a design as shown in P.9/Plate 2.6.
2.44 Draw a wall with brick pattern as shown in P.10/Plate 2.6.
2.45 Draw a table as shown in P.11/Plate 2.6.

PLATE 2.6

2.46 Draw two sets of two concentric squares as shown in P.1/Plate 2.7. HATCH them as shown
in the same Figure.
2.47 Draw three sets of two concentric ellipses as shown in P.2/Plate 2.7 using polar ARRAY and
TRIM command.
30 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

2.48 Draw three sets of three concentric hexagons as shown in P.3/Plate 2.7 using COPY and
TRIM command.
2.49 COPY the Fig. drawn in P.3/Plate 2.7 as shown in P.4/Plate 2.7.
2.50 Draw a design as shown in P.5/Plate 2.7 using MIRROR command.
2.51 Draw a design as shown in P.6/Plate 2.7 using MIRROR command.
2.52 Draw a design as shown in P.7/Plate 2.7 using MIRROR command.
2.53 Draw a design as shown in P.8/Plate 2.7 using MIRROR command.
2.54 Use multiple COPY option to COPY the Fig. drawn in P.2/Plate 2.7 as shown in P.9/Plate 2.7
at bottom left and bottom right locations.
2.55 Draw a design as shown in P.10/Plate 2.7.
2.56 Draw a design as shown in P.11/Plate 2.7.

PLATE 2.7

2.57 Draw four bylayer (continuous) lines of 500 mm length. CHANGE it into dashed, hidden,
center, dash-dot, border, divide dot, phantom type line as shown in P.1/Plate 2.8.
2.58 Draw a square of edge 150 mm. HATCH the area with universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing,
as shown in P.2/Plate 2.8.
2.59 Draw a square of edge 150 mm. HATCH the area with universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing
and double hatch option, as shown in P.3/Plate 2.8.
2.60 Draw a circle of diameter 150 mm. HATCH the area with universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing
as shown in P.4/2.8.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 31

2.61 Draw two squares of edge length 150 mm and adjacent to each other. HATCH one square
with Universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing and other square Universal pattern, 135°, 0.125
spacing as shown in P.5/Plate 2.8.
2.62 Draw a rectangle of 300 – 150 mm. Use OFFSET command to draw inside rectangle
200 mm – 50 mm. Hatch the portion in between two rectangular boundaries with universal
pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing, as shown in P.7/Plate 2.8.
2.63 COPY solution of P.7/Plate 2.8. HATCH the inside square with universal pattern, 135°, 0.125
spacing, as shown in P.8/Plate 2.8.
2.64 Draw an ellipse and two concentric circles as shown in P.9/Plate 2.8. HATCH the portion in
between boundaries of ellipse and outer circle with Universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing, and
inner circle with Universal pattern, 135°, 0.125 spacing.
2.65 Draw two circles as shown in P.10/Plate 2.8. HATCH the portion in between intersecting
boundaries with Universal pattern, 45°, 0.125 spacing.

PLATE 2.8

2.66 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Draw another concentric circle with 100 mm diameter.
(a) HATCH the inner circle with universal pattern, 45° and 0.125 spacing.
(b) HACTH the portion confined by two circular boundaries with universal pattern, 135° and
0.125 spacing.
2.67 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Draw another concentric circle with 100 mm diameter.
HATCH the inner circle with universal pattern, 45° and 0.125 spacing. HATCH the annular
portion with universal pattern, 135° and 0.125 spacing.
2.68 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Draw a line in horizontal direction passing through
center of circle as a diameter. HATCH upper semicircle universal pattern, 45° and 0.125
spacing.
32 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

2.69 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Draw two lines one in horizontal direction and one in
vertical directions passing through center of circle as diameters. Hatch any quarter-circle
using universal pattern, 45° and 0.125 spacing.
2.70 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Draw a line in horizontal direction passing through
center of circle as a diameter. Draw a line in vertical direction passing through center of circle
as a diameter. HATCH any two opposite quarter portion with universal pattern, 45° and 0.125
spacing and remaining two quarter portion with universal pattern, 135° and 0.125 spacing.
2.71 Draw a hexagon with 75 mm edge. Draw another concentric hexagon with 125 mm edge.
HATCH the portion confined by two hexagonal boundaries with universal pattern, 45° and
0.125 spacing.
2.72 Draw a square of side 150 mm. Use variety of hatch pattern shown in Plate 2.9 to HATCH
the closed area. Mention the name of pattern below each type of pattern.

PLATE 2.9

2.73 Draw a square with edge 100 mm long and in horizontal direction. ROTATE the square by
45°.
2.74 Draw a hexagon with edge 100 mm long, in horizontal direction. ROTATE the hexagon by
45°.
2.75 Draw a circle with 150 mm diameter. Divide the circular sector into ten equal numbers of parts
by using straight lines.
2.76 Draw a circle with 0.5 AutoCAD unit diameter. Make an ARRAY of the circle in horizontal and
vertical direction with unit cell distance in between two rows is 0.5 AutoCAD unit and in
between two columns is 0.5 AutoCAD unit.
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 33

2.77 Draw four bylayer (continuous) lines of 500 mm length. CHANGE the status of these lines into
hidden, center, dot and phantom.
2.78 Draw a circle with 100 mm diameter. CHANGE the status into a hidden circle.
2.79 Draw four bylayer (continuous) lines of 500 mm length. CHANGE the colour to red, yellow,
blue and green.
2.80 Draw a Table of 6 columns and 8 rows. The height of row is 0.5 AutoCAD unit and width of
column is 0.75 AutoCAD unit.
2.81 Draw two circles of 150 mm radii with centers 100 mm apart. TRIM overlapping part of both
circles and create a common area.
2.82 Draw a line of 200 mm length and at 40° to the horizontal. Find out horizontal distance and
vertical distance between end points.
2.83 Draw a hexagon with edge 100 mm long and in horizontal direction. EXPLODE the hexagon
to make the edges as separate entities.
2.84 Draw Fig.s as shown in Plate 2.10.

PLATE 2.10

2.85 Draw Figs. as shown in Plate 2.11.

2.86 Draw Figs. as shown in Plate 2.12.
2.87 Draw Figs. as shown in Plate 2.13.
2.88 Draw Figs. as shown in Plate 2.14.
34 Š Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD

PLATE 2.11

PLATE 2.12
 CHAPTER 2: Computer Aided Drafting Š 35

PLATE 2.13

PLATE 2.14
 PART II
Projection Techniques
Random documents with unrelated
content Scribd suggests to you:
 "Why, it does come pretty nearly to that, I am afraid. It comes to
the fact that duties clash in a case like this; so that, one's conscience
being at fault, an appeal to the law must settle the matter. I see no
crime in Elizabeth's taste, apart from the means she may take to
gratify it; but the law pronounces her wrong, so we must conclude
she is wrong."
"Duties do, indeed, clash," replied Matilda; "and if so painfully in
one case, what must be the extent of the evil if we consider all who
are concerned? Even in this little neighbourhood, here is Mr. Pim
unable to teach honour, as he says, without giving the notion that it
is a merit to conceal fraud, and pointing out a whole class as objects
of contempt and hatred. The dwellers near, almost to a man, look
upon the government as a tyrant, its servants as oppressors, its laws
as made to be evaded, and its powers defied. Oaths are regarded as
mere humbug; and the kindliest of social feelings are nourished in
direct relation to fraud, and pleaded as its sanction. There is not a
man near us who does not feel it necessary, nor a woman who does
not praise it as virtuous, nor a child who is not trained up in the love
and practice of it. This is the morality which one institution teaches
from village to village all along our shores,--mocking the clergyman,
setting at nought the schoolmaster, and raising up a host of enemies
to the government by which it is maintained; and all for what?"
"To help us in our national money matters, in which, in truth, it
does not very well succeed," observed the Lieutenant.
"And to protect the interests of certain classes of its subjects,"
replied Matilda, "in which, if most people say true, they succeed as
little."
"Spitalfields is in a worse state than ever," observed the
Lieutenant; "and there are terrible complaints from our glovers and
our lace-makers."
"And if not," continued Matilda--"if protection availed to these
people, the case would be very little better than it is now. Money
prosperity is desirable only as it is necessary to some higher good,--
to good morals and happiness; and if it were, in fact, secured to our
glovers, and silkmen, and lace-makers, it would be purchased far too
dear at the expense of the morals of such a multitude as are
corrupted by our restrictive laws. There can be nothing in the nature
of things to make the vexation and demoralization of some
thousands necessary to the prosperity of other thousands.
Providence cannot have appointed to governments such a choice of
evils as this; and----"
"And you, my dear, for your share, will therefore withhold your
allegiance from a government which attempts to institute such an
opposition."
"It is rather too late an age of the world for me to turn rebel on
that ground," replied Matilda, smiling. "Such governments as we
were speaking of are dead and gone, long ago. Our government is
not granting any new protections or prohibitions, surely!"
"But I thought you would quarrel with it for not taking away those
which exist. I thought you would give it your best blessing if they
sent an order to all us Preventive people to vacate our station-
houses and march off."
"I certainly felt more disaffected to-day than ever in my life
before," observed Matilda. "To think that, in a country like this,
anybody may be stopped and searched upon mere suspicion!"
"With the privilege of demanding the decision of a magistrate,
remember."
"Which magistrate may order the search, if he finds sufficient
ground of suspicion. And this outrage is to take place as a very small
part of the machinery for protecting the interests of certain classes,
to the great injury of all the rest; and especially, as many of
themselves say, to their own. It makes one indignant to think of it."
"It is the law, my love; and while it exists, it must be obeyed. I
must order my men to stop you, if you should chance to sympathize
in Elizabeth's tastes. Hey, Matilda?"
"Do, by all means, when you find me smuggling; but perhaps my
share of the temptation may soon be at an end. I trust all this
distress that you speak of will end in bringing into an active
competition with foreigners those of our people who are now sitting
with their hands before them, perceiving how the gentry of England
are apparelled in smuggled goods. No fear for our occupation, you
know. There will still be brandy and tobacco, on which, as we do not
grow them ourselves, government will call for so high a duty as will
encourage smuggling. No prospect of your being useless yet a
while."
"Nor of our neighbours being as loyal as you would have them."
"Nor of their living at peace, and in frank honesty."
"Nor of Pim's making his scholars moral."
"Nor of our manufacturers having fair play."
"Nor of the same justice being done to the revenue. Alas! how far
we are from perfection!"
"Yet ever tending towards it. Unless we believe this, what do we
mean by believing in a Providence? since all evidence goes to prove
that its rule is infinite progression. Yes, we are tending upwards,
though slowly; and we shall find, when we arrive in sight of
comparative perfection, that a system of restriction which debases
and otherwise injures all parties concerned, is perfectly inconsistent
with good government."
"Then shall I have earned my dinner in some other, and, I trust, a
pleasanter, way than to-day," observed the Lieutenant. "I shall never
get reconciled to my office, Matilda, especially while I hear of
brother officers abroad----"
"Oh! you are dreading your patrol to-night, because it is beginning
to snow," said Matilda, smiling. "You shall go in, and fortify yourself
with some duty-paid brandy and untaxed water; and then, if you will
let me go with you again, we will defy the smugglers as manfully as
if they were to be the enemies of good order for evermore."
"You shall not go out in the dark again, my love. It took all my
manfulness from me to see you so near the edge of the cliff in a
wind which might drive you out as if you were a sea-gull. The place
looks scarcely fit for you on the brightest of days; you have no
chance out of doors on a gusty night."
 Chapter VI.

A NIGHT WATCH.

The night of the gipsy late-wake was one of the clearest and
coldest moonlight. Such a night,--when the smallest skiff showed
black on the glistening sea, and every sailing bird cast its shadow on
the chalky cliff, and each stationary figure on the heights exhibited a
hard outline against the sky,--was little fit for smuggling adventure;
yet the officers of the Coast Guard had a strong impression that a
landing of contraband goods was to be attempted, in defiance of the
lady moon, and of the watchers who "blessed her useful light." A
gipsy festival afforded an excellent pretence for collecting the
country people in sufficient force to brave the guard; and it was
suspected that the people themselves thought so, as tidings of the
festival were most industriously spread through all the country, and
certainly very eagerly received. Lieutenant Storey held consultations
with his brother officers at all the stations near; and every
precaution was taken to enable a great force to assemble with speed
at the points where it seemed pretty certain that a landing would be
attempted. One or two trusty men were sent to overlook the wake
from a height, that they might report the numbers and apparent
disposition of the people; and Lieutenant Storey visited these men
on their posts soon after the beginning of the ceremony.
"Well! what news?" said Matilda, anxiously, as the Lieutenant
entered the room where his wife, mother, and sister were waiting
supper for him.
"Why, it is a fine freezing night," he replied, rubbing his hands,
and accepting the seat which was offered him close by the blazing
fire. "So you have Elizabeth to keep you company, as I advised you.
That is very well, as I rather think you will not be persuaded to go to
bed till late. And you, too, mother! Who would have thought of your
climbing up to us so late in the day?"
"But the gipsies!" cried the ladies. "Did you see the wake?"
"I heard more than I saw of it; for the banks are so high that one
could only catch a glimpse of a few heads now and then. But there
was a strong glare from their torches, there being little moonlight, I
suppose, in the hollow way: and their noise is really inconceivable.
Such yelling and howling, and what I suppose they call singing! They
will wake up all the sheep in the pens for a mile round."
"I am afraid there are a great many collected," observed Matilda.
"I should think there must be, for I never heard any gabble or din
to compare with it, except when the wind and the sails are
wrangling in a storm at sea. But come, let us have supper. I must be
gone again presently; and this is not an air to take away one's
appetite."
His mother inquired whether they could learn anything of the
progress of events by looking out of the windows, or whether they
must wait for news till his return. He replied,
"You will see nothing by going to the window but as fine a
moonlight sea as ever you saw; and the light-house, and perhaps
poor Nicholas staring about him, as he is bound to do. If there is any
affray, it will be far out of your sight. We keep our eyes upon Birling
and Crowlink Gap. Either of them is an easy place of rendezvous
from the wake. You will be as still as death here, and I advise you all
to go to sleep till I knock you up to let me in."
The mother and sister wondered what he thought they could be
made of to go to bed at such a time. Matilda piled fresh logs on the
fire, and looked to see that the lamp was trimmed.
"I'll tell you what,--I'll desire Nicholas to come, from time to time,
to tell you whether he hears or sees anything or nothing," said the
Lieutenant. "I have put him on the nearest beat, where I am pretty
sure of his having nothing to do; and he can just step to the gate, if
you like to be at the trouble of hearing that he has nothing to tell."
"Do be less presumptuous, my dear son," said Mrs. Storey. "How
dare you make sure of nothing happening?"
 "It was only a hasty word, mother. I have not been presumptuous
in reality, as you would say if you saw how completely we are
prepared. More ale, if you please, Elizabeth. And now, I must not
stay any longer. I shall be sure to tell Nicholas: but you will not
detain him from his post."
Matilda ran out before him to have his parting kiss at the gate,
and to watch him out of sight. The full light from the beacon turned
at the moment upon her face, stronger than the moonlight, and
showed that tears were upon her cheek.
"I cannot scold you, love," said her husband, as he wiped them
away. "I do pity you women that have to sit waiting at home when
anything is to happen. I could fancy myself crying like a baby if I
were obliged to do so. But go in now, there's a good girl."
"The moment you are out of sight. I suppose you really cannot
tell,--you cannot even tell me,--when you are likely to be home
again."
"Impossible. It may be two hours, or it may be twelve."
Matilda had only to pray that it might be two, while she watched
her husband on his way to Nicholas's beat, where he stopped to
speak with the figure perched upon the brow of the cliff. Presently
the figure might be seen to touch its hat; the Lieutenant waved his
hand towards the station-house, and speedily disappeared, leaving
Matilda to re-enter the parlour, whose clear fire, double windows,
and listed doors she would willingly have exchanged for the biting air
on Hotcombe Flat, by her husband's side.
During the hour which elapsed before Nicholas lifted the latch of
the gate, whose welcome slick brought all the ladies to the door,
Matilda had wished twenty times that she was alone. Elizabeth was
full of groundless fears of her own devising, while she ridiculed those
of other people; and Mrs. Storey gave a lecture on patience every
time Matilda moved on her chair, looking up in her face with all
possible anxiety, however, at each return from an excursion to the
upper windows. The methodical Nicholas was more tiresome still. He
began with an explanation of what his orders were about giving
intelligence to the ladies, and of his purpose in now appearing
before them. He proceeded with an account of where he had stood,
and how he had looked round and listened, and what he had been
thinking about; and it was only at the last that it came out that he
had seen and heard nothing particular.
"And do you think you could hear a pistol-shot from Birling Gap, or
from so far as Crowlink Gap?"
Nicholas could not answer for it, having never heard a pistol fired
from either place while on duty on his present beat; but he soon
recollected that his officer had told him that it was a very calm night,
and that he could certainly be able to hear the sound in question
from the farthest of the Seven Sisters; and therefore Nicholas fully
believed that he should hear a pistol as soon as fired.
"Very well," said Matilda, venturing upon such a breach of
discipline as handing him a glass of ale. "Now we will not detain you:
we were desired not; but come again in an hour, and sooner, if
anything happens."
Nicholas's heart, which was always warm towards the lady, was
rarefied by the honours and benefits of this night. To be appointed,
in some sort, her special servant,--to be treated with kind words
from her lips, and with ale from her own hands,--was enough, in
combination with the ale itself, to raise his spirits to the highest pitch
of which, as a sober man, he was capable. He could scarcely refrain
from whistling as he went back to his beat, and was actually guilty
of humming "Rules Britannia," as he flung himself down in a sort of
niche on the very brow of the dizzy cliff, whence he was wont to
gaze abroad over the expanse.
"'Rule, Britannia!'--Ay, that lady is worth a thousand of the bigger
and smarter one, and the old one too, if a poor man may think so.--
'Britannia rule the waves.'--Hoy, hoy! where did this sloop come
from, that I did not see her before? She's waiting for an early cargo
of chalk, I'll be bound; but it is odd I did not see her before, only
that she lies so close under, one could not see without looking over.
'And come again in an hour,' says she, 'or sooner, if anything
happens.' I wonder how the hour goes.--'Britons never shall be
slaves!'--If I had my mother's old watch, now! Bless her! she's now
asleep, I suppose, in the bed with the green checked curtains. She
says she thinks of me in her prayers, and has all the sea before her
as she goes to sleep, and me marching above it, helping to guard
the nation.--'Britannia rule the waves!'--It is only a fair turn for me to
think of her when she is asleep, as I hope she is now. Lord! how she
used to beat me! and all, as she says now, for tenderness, to make
a great man of me. To be sure, I never guessed it at the time.--
'Britons never shall be slaves! Never! never!' I don't know that I had
not best walk; it is so different sitting here from what it is when the
sun is out, platting straw for my hat. It is time I had a new hat; I
thought I saw the lady glancing at it. Think of her taking notice of
such little things! Kind heart! 'Come again within the hour,' says she,
'and sooner, if anything happens.' That's she looking out, I warrant,
where there is a little bit of light from the window. There! 'tis gone.
'Tis the will of Providence that she should notice me so. I wish she
knew how my mother thinks of me: but that is no doing of mine,
either; it is the will of Providence too; and I doubt whether anybody
is so happy as, by the will of Providence, I am, with my mother, and
the people here all so harmless to me, and the lady! And it is
something to see such a bright sea as this, so like what I saw in the
show-box at Weyhill fair, when my mother treated me, then a young
boy. I am sure everybody is wonderfully kind to me. I wonder how
the hour goes. It is bitter cold, to be sure; and I think yon bit of
shelter is best, after all.--'Britons never, ne--ver----'"
And Nicholas once more crouched in his recess, where he rocked
himself to the music of the waves, and looked in vain over the wide
expanse for the smallest dark speck, in watching which he might
find occupation. He soon found that his observation would have
been better bestowed nearer home. While walking, he had disdained
the well-worn path along the chalk line, strewed within a few feet of
the verge for the guidance of the watchers on dark nights. As it was
light enough for safety, he availed himself of the opportunity of
varying his beat, and trod the less bare path from the chalk line to
the very edge of the cliff. He had looked straight before him,
whether his back was turned north or south, giving no attention to
the right hand or the left. He had also been too hasty in his
conclusion that the vessel which lay below, in the deep, broad
shadow of the cliffs, was a chalk sloop, waiting for the tide.
 By leaning forwards a little, any one in Nicholas's present seat
could command a view of a winding and perilous, almost
perpendicular, track, which ascended from the spot where the
gipsies had assisted at the last unloading of a smuggling vessel.
Something like rude steps occurred at small intervals in this track;
but they were so imperfect, and it was so steep, that the assistance
of either ropes or mutual support was necessary to those who would
mount, with or without a load on their shoulders. As the tide had till
now been too high to permit access to this spot by the beach, it was
one of the last in which Nicholas could have expected to see foes.
For want of something to do, he picked two or three flints out of a
layer which was bedded in the chalk within reach, and amused
himself with sending them down the steep, in order to watch what
course they would take. Leaning over, to follow with his eye the
vagaries of one of these, his ear was struck by a bumping, dead
sound, which could not be caused by his flint. Looking a little to the
right, without drawing back, he perceived something moving in the
shadowy track. But for the sound which had excited his suspicions,
he would have concluded that some cliff-raven or sea-bird had been
disturbed in its hole, and he watched intently for a few seconds to
discover whether this was not the case; but it soon became evident
to his sharpened sight that there was a line of men laboriously
climbing the track, each with his two small tubs braced upon his
shoulders. Whether they had a strong rope by which each might
help himself, or whether each supported the one above him, could
not be discovered from the distance at which Nicholas sat; nor could
he guess whether they were aware of his being so near.
He started up, and stood in the broad moonlight, fumbling for his
pistol, which was not quite so ready to his hand as it ought to have
been. A subdued cry spread up and down, from mouth to mouth,
among his foes, a large body of whom appeared instantly on the
ridge, from the hollow where they had collected unobserved. One of
them cried,--
"Hand over your pistol, lad, and sit down quietly where you were,
and we will do you no harm."
 To do anything but what his officer had desired was, however, too
confusing to Nicholas's faculties to be borne. The order to fire as
soon as smugglers were perceived came upon his mind, as if spoken
at the moment in the Lieutenant's own voice, and saved him the
trouble of all internal conflict. He fired, and was instantly fired upon
in turn, and wounded. As he staggered far enough back from the
verge to fall on safe ground, he had the consolation of hearing (after
the cloud of flapping sea-birds had taken themselves far out to sea)
a repetition of shots along the cliffs on either hand, fainter and
shorter in the increasing distance. The ominous roll of the drum,--
the most warlike signal of the smugglers,--was next heard from the
hollow to the right, and more sea-birds fluttered and screamed.
Silence was gone; the alarm was given; and poor Nicholas need not
resist the welcome faintness that stretched him on the grass.
The smugglers, annoyed by former repeated failures in their
attempts to intimidate or gain over the Preventive watch, were now
exasperated by Nicholas's unflinching discharge of his duty; and they
determined to make an example of him, even in the midst of their
preparations to resist the force which they knew to be on the way to
attack them. The first necessary precaution was to range the
batmen who had been collected by the sound of the drum, in two
rows, from the vessel to the foot of the cliff, and again from the
verge of the cliffs to where the carts were stationed, surrounded
with guards. This being done, their pieces loaded, and their
bludgeons shouldered, a small party was detached to take
possession of the wounded man. On raising him, it was found that
he was not dead, and that it was by no means certain that his
wounds were mortal. When he recovered his senses, he felt himself
lifted from the ground by a rope tied round his middle, and
immediately after was being lowered over the edge of the precipice,
carefully protected from being dashed against the face of the cliff by
the men who stood at regular distances down the track, and who
handed him from one to the other till he reached the bottom, where
two stout men received him, and supported him on either side to a
little distance along the shingle.
 "What are you going to do with me?" he faintly asked; but they
made no answer.
"For God's sake spare my life!"
"Too late for that, lad," replied one.
"No, not too late," said Nicholas, with renewed hope. "I don't think
you have killed me. I shall get well, if you will let me go."
"Too late, lad. You should not have fired."
"You are going to murder me then," groaned the victim, sinking
down upon a large stone where he had often leaned before, it being
the one from which he was wont to look out to sea. "I did not
expect it of you, for your people have always behaved very well to
me. Everybody has been kind to me," he continued, his dying
thoughts getting into the train which the spot suggested. "But, if you
will do me one more kindness, do, some of you, tell the lady at the
station why I could not come as she bade me. 'Come within the
hour,' says she----"
He stopped short on hearing two pistols cocked successively. No
duty to be done under orders being immediately present to his mind,
a paroxysm of terror seized him. He implored mercy for his mother's
sake, and, with the words upon his lips, sank dead before the balls
were lodged in his body as in a mark.
The proceeding was witnessed by some of his comrades, and by
his officer, from the top of the cliff; and fierce were the cries and
numerous were the shots which followed the murderous party, as
they quickly took up the body, and fell back among the crowd of
smugglers within the deep shadow where they could no longer be
distinguished.
The party being three hundred strong, any resistance which the
Preventive Force could offer was of little avail to check their
proceedings, as long as they were disposed to carry them on. They
persevered for some time in landing, hoisting up, and carting away
their tubs, the batmen keeping line, and frequently firing, while the
carriers passed between with their burdens. At length, a shot from
one of the guard, which took more effect than was expected,
seemed to occasion some change in their plans. They drew in their
apparatus, ascended the track in order, bearing with them the bodies
of their slain or wounded companions, and formed round the carts,
in order to proceed up the country, deserting a portion of the cargo
which was left upon the shore. The vessel, meanwhile, hoisted sail,
and wore round to stand out to sea.
"Can you see how many are killed or disabled?" inquired the
Lieutenant of one of his men. "What is this they are hauling along?"
"Two bodies, sir; whether dead or not, I can't say."
"Not poor Nicholas's for one, I suppose."
"No, sir; they have both their faces blacked, I see."
"We must get Christian burial for Nicholas, if it be too late to save
him," said the Lieutenant to his men, who were boiling with rage at
the fate of their comrade.
"They have pitched him into the sea, no doubt, sir, unless they
have happened to leave him on the beach as a mockery."
The procession passed with their load, like a funeral train; and to
stop them would only have occasioned the loss of more lives. There
were no stragglers to be cut off, for they kept their corps as compact
as if they had been drilled into the service, and practised in an
enemy's country. It was, in fact, so. They had been trained to
regular defiance of laws which they had never heard spoken of but
in terms of hatred; and whenever the agents of government were
around their steps, they felt themselves in the midst of enemies.
When the smugglers had proceeded so far inland as to be out of
danger, they made a halt, and gave three cheers,--an exasperating
sound to the baffled guard.
"Let them cheer!" cried the Lieutenant, "our turn will come next.
Down to the beach, my lads, before the tide carries off what belongs
to you there. If any of you can find tracks of blood, it may not be
too late for poor Nicholas, after all. Down to the beach, and seize
whatever you can find."
He remained for a few moments on the steep, ranging the horizon
with his glass, internally cursing the rapid progress that the lugger
(which few but Nicholas would have taken for a sloop, however deep
the shadow) was making in her escape.
"The cutter always contrives to be just in the wrong place,"
thought he, "or to arrive too late when called. She will come, as she
did before, full sail, as soon as the smuggler has got out of sight,
and changed her course."
On joining his men, he found they had partly recovered their
spirits, amidst the booty which lay before their eyes. Some few had
given their first attention to searching for the body of their comrade,
but the greater number were insisting on the necessity of removing
the seizure to the Custom-house, before the tide should have risen
any higher. It was already washing up so as to efface any marks of
blood which might have remained on the shingle; and it seemed
most probable, in the absence of any clue, that the body of Nicholas
was being dashed in the surf which sent its spray among those who
defied its advances to the last, before they mounted once more
upon the down. They were obliged to leave a few tubs floating, after
they had secured the goods which it was most important to keep
dry. If these kegs could hold together amidst the dashing of the
waves, they would be recoverable in the morning from the sea, as
the law forbade all floating tubs to be picked up by anybody but the
Coast Guard, and the watch on the shore could keep an eye on the
observance of the law, for the short time that would be necessary.
"Brady, post off to the station-house, and let the ladies know we
are all safe but one. Stay! You will not thank me for sending you
away from your booty; and, besides, they will not believe you. I
must go myself. Halt a minute, my lads."
The officer directed his steps to the gleam which shone out
through the curtain of Matilda's window. Though he found her
voiceless, and his mother and sister in a state of restless terror, he
could not stay to revive them. The firing had seemed to them so
fearful that they would scarcely credit the testimony of their own
eyes that the Lieutenant was safe, or his assurance that only one life
had been lost on the side of the Preventive Force. He did not say
whose life that was, for he knew that there was not a man under his
command whom his wife would miss more than poor Nicholas. This
painful communication he left to the morning. With an assurance
that the enemy had all marched off, and that no dangerous duty
remained, the officer entreated his family to go to rest. It was very
probable that he might not come home till daylight, and it would
now be folly to waste any more anxiety upon him.
Elizabeth thought it really would be very foolish, though she
declared she did not expect to sleep a wink for a month to come.
She began her preparations, however, by putting up her work with
alacrity, and lighting her mother to her bedroom. Matilda went also
to hers, but not to remain. As soon as all was quiet, she stole down
to the fire-side, laid wood upon the embers, put out her light, and
sat down, preferring a further watch to broken dreams. The cracking
of the fuel and the ticking of the time-piece composed her agitated
thoughts; but, instead of cheerfulness, a deep melancholy
succeeded to the internal tumult of so many hours--a melancholy
which grew with that it fed on.
Matilda had not hitherto been given to deep thought, or strong
feeling, for any one but her husband; but the new influences of
circumstance, of late suspense and fear, of the hour, and of her
present social position,--all combined to stimulate her to higher
reflection than, as a light-hearted girl, she had been wont to
encourage. She would fain have known which of the men had
fallen,--what home was to be made desolate by the tidings that
must soon be on their way. Were they to stun the young wife who,
like herself, had----O, no! It was too dreadful to think of! Were they
to smite the matron, who, ill her Irish cabin, daily told the little ones
around her knee tales of the brave and tender father who was to
come back and caress them one day? Were they to wither the aged
parent, who prayed for his roving son, and looked for the return of
the prodigal before he died; or the band of young kindred who
watched with longing the glory of their elder brother, and would be
struck dumb at this ignoble close of his envied service? Whoever it
was, a life was gone! And how? Men of the same country, members
of the same social state, had been made enemies by arbitrary laws.
They had been trained to deceive and to defy one another when
they should have wrought, side by side, to nourish life instead of to
destroy it,--to strengthen peace instead of inflicting woe. He who
made the human heart to yearn at the voice of kindliness, and to
leap up at the tone of joy, thereby rebukes the system which gives
birth to mutual curses, and flings sorrows into many homes;--He
who gradually discloses to the roused human ear the music of His
name, does it for other purposes than to have it taken upon human
lips in mockery as a pass-word to the meanest frauds;--He who
made yon glittering sea a broad path by which his children might
pass to and fro, so that the full may bear bread to the hungry, and
the skilful send clothing to the naked, must pity the perverseness by
which such mutual aid is declined, or yielded only at the expense of
crime--artificial crime, which brings on natural, as its sure
consequence;--He who scatters his bounties over the earth with
impartial hand, his snow and sunshine, his fruits and gems;--He who
lets loose his herds on the plains of the tropics, and calls the fishy
tribes into the depths of Polar seas;--He who breathes upon the
cornfields, and they wave; who whispers among the pine-forests of
the North, and they bow before him,--thus works that men may
impart and enjoy; and yet man will not impart, and forbids his
fellow-man to enjoy;--He who in still small voice says to the Hindoo
beneath the palm-tree, "Get thee a home;" who visits the broken
sleep of the toil-worn artizan to bid him get food and rest; who
comes in the chill wind to the shivering boor to warn him to provide
apparel; who scares the crouching Arab with thunders among the
caverned rocks, and the Greenlander with tempests on the icy sea,
and the African with wild beasts in the sultry night, that out of their
terror may arise mutual protection and social ease,--is daringly
gainsaid by intermeddlers, who declare that one nation shall have
scanty food, and another miserable clothing; and that a third must
still find holes in the rocks, or a refuge in the trees, because neither
wood nor iron shall be given for habitations. Shall there not come a
day when the toil-worn Briton shall complain, "I was hungry, and ye
gave me no food;" and the Pole, "I was naked, and ye clothed me
not;" and the Syrian wanderer, "I was houseless, and ye sheltered
me not;" and the gem-decked hungering savage, "I was poor and
miserable, and ye visited me not, nor let me enrich you in return?"
When will men learn that the plan of Divine Providence indicates the
scheme of human providence; that man should distribute his
possessions as God scatters his gifts; that, as man is created for
kindliness and for social ease, he should be governed so as to secure
them; that, as all interests naturally harmonize under a law of
impartial love, it is an impiety to institute a law of partiality, by which
interests are arbitrarily opposed? When will men learn that it should
be with their wrought as with their natural wealth,--that, as the air
of heaven penetrates into all hidden places, and nourishes the life of
every breathing thing, all the elements of human comfort should
expand till they have reached and refreshed each partaker of human
life; that as the seeds of vegetation are borne here and there by
gales, and dropped by birds upon ridges and into hollows, the
means of enjoyment should be conveyed to places lofty or lowly in
the social scale, whence the winged messengers may return over the
deep with an equal recompense? When will governments learn that
they are responsible for every life which is sacrificed through a
legislation of partiality; whether it be of a servant of its own,
murdered by rebellious hands, or of a half-nourished babe dying on
its sickly mother's knee, or of a spirit-broken merchant, or of a worn-
out artizan? When will the people learn that, instead of acquiescing
in the imposition of oaths which they mean to break, of a watch
which they permit to be insulted and slaughtered, of a law which
they bring up their children to despise and to defy, they should
demand with one voice that freedom in the disposal of the fruits of
their toil, upon which mutual interest is a sufficient check, while it
proves a more unfailing stimulus than any arbitrary encouragement
given to one application of industry at the expense of all others?
When shall we leave the natural laws which guide human efforts as
they guide the stars in their courses to work, without attempting to
mend them by our bungling art? When shall man cease to charge
upon Providence evils of his own devising, and pray for deliverance
from the crimes he himself has invented, and from the miseries
which follow in their train? We implore that there may be no murder,
and put firelocks into the hands of our smugglers. We profess our
piety, and hold the Bible to unhallowed lips in our custom-houses.
We say "Avaunt!" to all that is infernal when we bring our children to
the font, and straightway educate them to devilish subtilty and
hatred. We weekly celebrate our love for our whole race, and yet
daily keep back a portion of the universal inheritance of man. O,
when will man come in singleness of heart before his Maker, and
look abroad upon His works in the light of His countenance!
Matilda's eyes were shining tearful in the firelight when her
husband entered.
"Hey! tears, my love? I saw no tears when there was more cause,-
-two hours ago."
"I had no time for them then," said Matilda, brushing them away.
"And why now? Do you dread more such nights, or are you worn
out, or----"
"No, no; it was not for myself. It was shame.--O, I am so
ashamed!"
"Of me, love? Do not you like my duty? or, do I not perform it
well?"
"O, no, no. I am so ashamed at the whole world, and especially at
our own nation, which thinks itself so Christian. Here we send one
another out man-hunting. We make a crime, tempt a man into it,
and punish him for it. Is this Christian?"
"It would be a disgrace to paganism."
"We are proud of being made in God's image, and we take pains
to make human governments the reverse of the Divine. How dare
we ask a blessing upon them?"
"Come, come, my good girl, you must think of something more
cheerful. The hearing of a life being lost has been too much for you.
You never were so near the scene of a murder before, I dare say."
"Never," replied Matilda, with quivering lips.
"It will not affect you so much again. You will become more used
to the circumstances of such a situation as ours. You will feel this
sort of adventure less painfully henceforward."
"But I do not wish that," was all that Matilda chose to say, lest her
sorrow should be charged upon discontent with her individual lot.
She looked out once more upon the sea, darkening as the moon
went down, and satisfied herself that the time would come for which
she had been inquiring,--when man would look above and around
him, and learn of Providence.
 Chapter VII.

HEAR THE NEWS!

All was bustle about the nearest Custom-house when the seized
vessel and goods were expected to arrive the next morning. The
magistracy in the neighbourhood were also busy, for there seemed
to be no end to the offences against the law which had arisen out of
the adventure of the preceding night.
The first steps taken were towards the discovery of the murderer
of Nicholas; and, for this purpose, application was made to
government for aid, in the shape both of police-officers and of an
offer of reward for the disclosure of the murderers. Little was hoped
from the latter proceeding, as the smugglers were known to yield
powerful protection to each other, and to be united by a bond of
honour as strongly in each other's defence as against the law. If
Nicholas's murderers were known to every dweller along the coast,
from Portsmouth to the North Foreland, there was little probability
that any one would step forward to name or lay hands on them. But,
the little that government could do,--pry about and offer bribes, was
done; and, whether or not the guilty persons might tremble or flee,
every body else laughed.
One of the gipsy band was brought up before two justices of the
peace on violent suspicion of having, after eight in the evening, and
before six in the morning, made, aided, or assisted in making, or
been present at making, a signal, by means of light, fire, flash,
blaze, signal by smoke, and so forth, through all the offences
described in the appropriate clause of that most singular statute
ordained for the prevention of smuggling. No proof could be
brought, though the truth of the charge was generally believed, and
the gipsies thereby became more popular than ever. They were
dismissed, and every body laughed.
A boy was brought up, on a charge of trespass, by a farmer, who
complained that his fenced land had been entered and trampled,
and his well and bucket made use of without leave. The boy pleaded
that he had entered for the purpose of putting out a fire which he
suspected to be intended for a signal to smugglers. The justices
referred to the statute, found that "it shall be lawful," &c., to commit
this kind of trespass, and that the boy had only done his duty. And
now, every body frowned.
A woman who had been caught standing near a tub of the spirits
which had been seized, which tub was staved, was brought up on
the charge of having staved the same. The penalty was so heavy as
to tempt to a vast deal of false swearing on her behalf, by dint of
which she escaped; and her friends and neighbours laughed again.
She was not the less glad of this issue that, being a poor person, she
would have been supported while in prison by a daily allowance
drawn from the pockets of the nation.
A crew of fishermen were summoned to show cause why they
should not, according to law, pay the treble value of a floating keg of
gin, which, having bumped against their boat at sea, they had
stretched out their hands to appropriate. There was no use in
denying the act, as it had been witnessed by two keen eyes through
unimpeachable glasses, from a headland. All that the fishermen
could do was to swear that they only meant to deliver over the
spirits to the Custom-house officers, and were prevented from doing
so by being arrested immediately on landing. The magistrates
considered this a very doubtful case; and, having before their eyes
the fear of the collective power of their smuggling neighbours, gave
their decision in favour of the fishermen; whereat the informers
were indignant, and the folks in waiting exulted.
All parties had by this time had enough of this ceremony; but the
justices agreed in assuring the Lieutenant, that if they chose to look
strictly into the proceedings of their neighbours, and to inflict all the
punishments ordained in the statute for all the modes of offence
specified therein, they might be constantly occupied from morning
till night; the gaols would be filled; there would be a distraint for
penalties in almost every cottage, and offenders would be nearly as
common as persons who stood above five feet in their shoes. They
entertained him with a sight of the entire statute, as he was not
acquainted with the whole; and all thought it perfectly consistent
with their exemplary loyalty to decide that it was truly an
extraordinary specimen of legislation. The justices could no more
boast of the achievements of their authority in putting down
smuggling than the officer of his efficiency in preventing it. All shook
their heads, complimented each other's exertions, and desponded
about the availableness of their own.
"What is to be done?" was the commonplace query which ensued.
"Why, you see," said one of the justices, "the prohibiting a
commodity does not take away the taste for it; and if you impose a
high duty, you only excite people to evade it, and to calculate the
average rate of the risk of detection. That being done, there will
always be abundance of speculators found to make the venture, and
no lack of customers to bid them God speed."
"Then there are two ways of demolishing the practice,--lowering
the duties, so as to remove the temptation to smuggling; and
increasing the difficulty of carrying on a contraband trade."
"I should say there is but one," replied the first speaker.
"Difficulties have been multiplied till we who have to administer the
law groan under them, and smuggling is still on the increase."
"What is government about all the time?" asked the Lieutenant.
"They must know this, and yet they let their own power be mocked,
and the interests of our manufacturers and commercial men be
sacrificed."
"Of our manufacturers, but not necessarily of all our commercial
men. Contraband trade is a fine thing for certain shopkeepers; and
you might hear some curious stories below there," (nodding towards
the Custom-house,) "about certain methods of obtaining drawbacks,
and then re-landing the goods by the help of our night-working
neighbours. However, government is getting a glimpse of the true
state of the case, as we shall soon see."
 "Because," observed the other magistrate, "government is
beginning to look to the right quarter for information. It is nonsense
to consult collectors of the revenue, and persons in their interest and
of their way of thinking, about the best method of rendering taxes
effectual. The only way is to contemplate the interests of the tax
payers. This done, it is easily seen that there is not much wisdom in
a system, the enforcement alone of which costs the country many
hundred thousand pounds a year."
"And which is not enforced, after all, and never can be. No, no;
the government sees now that the only way is to lower the duties
down to the point which makes contraband trading a speculation not
worth attempting."
"What makes you suppose that government views the matter in
this light?"
"It is said, and confidently believed in London, that government
has taken into consideration this petition from the principal silk-
manufacturers in and about London."
The Lieutenant read the petition in the newspaper, of recent date,
now handed to him.
"Hum. 'This important manufacture, though recently considerably
extended,'--aye, so it ought to be, from the increasing number of
wearers of silk,--'is still depressed below its natural level'--they are
tired of Spitalfields subscriptions, I suppose, and of living among
starving weavers, who throw the blame of their starvation on their
masters;--'by laws which prevent it from attaining that degree of
prosperity which, under more favourable circumstances, it would
acquire.'--Well! what thinks the House of this petition?"
"That will be seen when government speaks upon it. It is thought
that the prohibition of foreign silks will be removed, and a moderate
duty substituted. If so, it will be an important experiment."
"I rather think," observed the other magistrate, "that the fault will
soon be found to be neither in the undue mildness of the law, nor in
our way of administering it,--of both which the customs and excise
officers are for ever complaining. I believe my friend here and I shall
have little less reason to bless the change than these petitioning
manufacturers."
 "There will be enough left for me to do," observed the Lieutenant,
"if, as I suppose, they will leave as they are the duties on articles not
produced at home. Many a cargo of gin and tobacco will yet be
landed in my day. Meanwhile, I must go and see the unpacking at
the Custom-house. I hope I shall not be tempted to smuggle within
those very walls, on my wife's account."
When the officer arrived at the Custom-house, he found the
Collector and Comptroller invested with all the dignity of active
office, and the members of the Coast Guard who were there to claim
their share of booty, watching with eagerness for the unpacking of a
large store of that beloved weed which was wont to "cheer but not
inebriate" them on their watch. A few inquisitive neighbours were
peeping in from window and door, and Mr. Pim, admitted through
favour, from his son being the Collector's clerk, paced up and down,
his countenance exhibiting a strange alternation of mirth and
vexation. He could not help enjoying the fun of people eluding, and
baffling, and thwarting one another; such fun being one chief
inducement to him to connect himself as he had done with
contraband traders; but it was a serious vexation to see some of his
property,--goods on whose safe arrival he had staked the earnings of
his irksome school-hours,--thus about to fall into the hands of those
who had paid no such dolorous price for them.
Somebody wondered that, as the smugglers had taken time to
carry away so considerable a portion of their cargo, a large package
of tobacco should have been left behind; tobacco being an
exceedingly valuable article of contraband trade, from the difference
between its original cost and its price when charged with the duty. If
smugglers paid threepence a pound for their article, and sold it at
half-a-crown, it must repay their risks better than most articles which
they could import. One of the guard believed he had seen numerous
packages of tobacco on the people's shoulders, as they passed to
the carts, and supposed that the quantity before them formed a very
small portion of what had been landed.
"Most likely," observed the Collector. "There is more tobacco
landed than there is of any thing else, except brandy and geneva. It
is high time government was bestirring itself to put down the
smuggling of tobacco. Do you know, sir," (to the Lieutenant,) "these
fellows supply a fourth part of the tobacco that is consumed in
England?"
"That is nothing to what they do in Ireland," observed Brady.
"There were seventy vessels in one year landing tobacco between
Waterford and Londonderry."
"Yes; the Irish are incorrigible," replied the Collector; "they
smuggle three-fourths of the tobacco they use."
The Lieutenant doubted whether they were incorrigible. Neither
the Irish, nor any body else, would think of smuggling unless they
were tempted to it. If the duty, now three shillings per pound, were
reduced to one shilling, smuggling tobacco would not answer; the
sinning three-fourths would get their tobacco honestly, and
government would be the gainer. The same advantage would arise in
England from the reduction of the duty; as, in addition to the
practice of smuggling being superseded, the consumption of the
article would materially increase, as is always the case on the
reduction of a tax. With every augmentation of the duty from eight-
pence per pound to three shillings, there had been a failure of
consumption at the same time with an increase of contraband trade;
so that the revenue had suffered doubly, and to an extent far
beyond its gains from the heightening of the duty.
"What have we got here?" cried Pim, as a gay-coloured article was
drawn out from among the packages.
"Flags! Aye; these were clever fellows, and knew their business,
you see. Here are pretty imitations of navy flags, and a fine variety.
British, Dutch, French! They knew what they were about,--those
fellows."
"So do you, it seems, Mr. Pim," observed the Collector. "You are as
wonderfully learned in flags as if you had taken a few trips to sea
yourself."
"I have lived on this coast for many a year, and seen most of the
flags that wave on these seas," replied Pim. "But since these flags
are but poor booty, it is a pity your men cannot catch those that
hoisted them, and so get a share of the fine."
 "Suppose you put them on the right scent, Mr. Pim. I fancy you
could, if you chose."
Mr. Pim disclaimed, with all the gravity which his son's presence
could impose. A parcel of bandanas next appeared, and as the
familiar red spotted with white appeared, a smile went round the
circle of those who anticipated a share of the seizure.
"Ho, ho! I suspect I know who these belong to," observed the
Collector. "There is a gentleman now not far off on this coast who
could tell us all about them, I rather think. He has been sent for
from London, under suspicion of certain tricks about the drawback
on the exportation of silks. His shop is supplied very prettily by our
smugglers, and his connexion with them is supposed to be the
inducement to him to make large purchases at the India sales. I
have no doubt he is one of those who buy bandanas at four shillings
a piece, and sell them at eight shillings, when they have had a trip
to Ostend or Guernsey. I have a good mind to send for him."
"This is the last sort of commodities I should think it can be
pleasant to you Custom-house folks to declare forfeited," observed
Pim. "Your consciences must twinge you a little here, I should think.
I don't doubt your tobacco and your brandy being duty-paid, and all
proper; but when paying duty will not do, you will offend, just like
those who are not government servants, rather than go without
what you have a mind to. I'll lay any wager now----"
"Hold your impertinent tongue, sir," cried the Collector.
Mr. Pim obeyed, taking leave to use his hands instead. He stepped
behind the Collector, and quietly picked his pocket of a bandana: he
did the same to the Comptroller; and afterwards to all the rest,
though the land-waiter whisked away his coat-tail, and the tide-
waiter got into a corner. The only one who escaped was the clerk
(Pim’s own son), and he only because his having one round his neck
made the process unnecessary. A goodly display of bandanas,--real
Indian,--now graced the counter, and everybody joined in Pim's
hearty laugh.
"Now," said he, "if you summon Breme on the suspicion of this
property being his----"
 "So you know who the gentleman was that I was speaking of,"
cried the Collector. "Very well. Perhaps you can tell us a little news of
this next package."
And forthwith was opened to view a beautiful assortment of
figured silks, of various colours, but all of one pattern. Mr. Pim
gravely shook his head over them.
"If you know nothing of those, I do," said Brady, taking out his
tobacco-box, and producing therefrom the snip of silk which had
been extracted from Elizabeth's glove. "'Tis the same article, you
see; and the Lieutenant here declares 'tis English."
"And so it is, and so are these," declared the Collector. "The
French would be ashamed of such a fabric as this, at the price
marked, though they might own the figure; which must be imitated
from theirs, I fancy. We had better send for Mr. Breme, and let the
other Custom-house know of this seizure. I suspect it will throw
some more light on the tricks about the drawback."
Mr. Breme was found to be nearer at hand than had been
supposed. Having failed in his speculation, through two unfortunate
seizures of contraband cargoes, he had cut but a poor figure at the
larger Custom-house, where he had just been examined, and found
it necessary to consult with his Brighton brother as to the means of
getting the threatened fine mitigated, or of paying it, if no mercy
could be obtained. He was proceeding along the coast to Brighton,
when Pim, who was aware of his movements, met him, and told him
of the adventures which had taken place at Beachy Head.
What was to be done? Should he slip past to Brighton quietly, at
the risk of being brought back in a rather disagreeable way, or
should he make his appearance at once, and brave the
circumstances, before more evidence should be gathered against
him from distant quarters? The latter measure was decided upon;
and Breme, after changing his directions to the post-boy, leaned
back in his chaise to ruminate, in anything but a merry mood, on the
losses which he had sustained, was sustaining, and must expect still
further to sustain.
Breme had lately become a merchant in a small way, as well as a
shopkeeper. He had followed the example of many of his brethren in
trade, in venturing upon a proceeding of some risk, in hopes that
large profits would cover the loss of the occasional failures which he
had to expect. He had employed his Spitalfields neighbour to
manufacture a fabric in imitation of French silk, and had exported
the produce as English, receiving at the Custom-house the drawback
granted to such exportation. This drawback was the remission, or
paying back, of the duties on the article to be exported; such
remission being necessary to enable the exporter to sell his
commodity in the foreign market on equal terms with the foreign
manufacturers, who were less burdened with taxes. Breme claimed
and received this drawback, he and his agents swearing, in due
form, according to the statute, that the goods were really for sale
abroad, and should not be relanded. The oath was considered
merely as a necessary form; and Breme had no notion of selling his
goods in a foreign market at a lower price than would be given for
them in England, under the supposition that they were French. Back
they came, therefore; and the government, which had paid the
drawback, besides having thereby made a very pretty present to Mr.
Breme, saw an addition made to the stock of the already
overstocked market at home, while the weavers of silk were
starving, and it was charitably contributing to frequent subscriptions
for their relief. Mr. Breme was now, however, a loser in his turn, his
beautiful goods being clutched by the strong hand of the law. In
addition to this trouble, he was suffering under the prospect of a
speedy end being put to this kind of speculation.
He could not decide what line of defence to take till he reached
the Custom-house, and heard the nature and amount of the
evidence that there might be against him. When he was told that the
case was to be followed up very diligently, and exposed as a
warning; that the silks were known to be of the same kind as those
for which he had had to answer in another place; and that the
manufacturer and weavers would be produced to swear to the origin
of the whole,--he offered to make oath that he had sold the goods
abroad, and that their being afterwards smuggled back again was
the act of his customers, and not his own. The Collector
congratulated him that, this being the case, he was not subjected to
the loss which some of his friends had regretted on his account. It
was, indeed, a much pleasanter thing to have sold the goods and
pocketed the money than to see such a beautiful lot of goods,
prepared at so much cost, and with so much labour and ingenuity,
now lying a forfeit to the offended British law. With a bitter sweet
smile, Mr. Breme bowed in answer to this congratulation, and
changed the subject. He observed that days of comparative leisure
were apparently at hand for all the gentlemen he saw around him. If
government should carry into other departments the changes it was
about to make in the silk trade, there would be an end of many of
the little affairs with which the time of the Custom-house officers
was now so fully and disagreeably occupied.
What did he mean? Did he bring any new information?
Merely that government was about to remove the prohibition on
the importation of foreign silks, and to substitute an ad valorem duty
of 30 per cent.
"Bless my soul, sir! what an extraordinary thing!" cried the
Collector. "You do not mean that you are sure of the fact, sir?"
Mr. Breme had it from the best authority.
"Why 'extraordinary?'" asked the Lieutenant. "The nature of our
business this morning is proof enough that some change is
necessary, is it not?"
"To be sure," replied Breme; "but the change should be all the
other way. Do you know, sir, the market is deluged already with silk
goods from the late slight mourning, and from a change of fashion
since? What are we to do, sir, when the French pour in a flood of
their manufactures upon us?"
"Our market is glutted because we can find no vent for our
produce; and I do not see how the matter could be mended by
increasing the inducements of smugglers to supply us, while our
weavers are starving in the next street. If the French silks are, on
the average, 25 per cent. cheaper than ours, a duty of 30 per cent.
will leave our manufacturers a fair chance in the competition with
foreigners, and will throw the trade of the smugglers into their
hands. My only doubt is, whether the duty is not too high,--whether
there is not still some scope left to smuggling enterprize."
 "Your countrymen are much obliged to you, I am sure, sir," said
Breme, tartly. "I think government should know that some of its
servants are ill-disposed to their duty."
The Lieutenant dared the shopkeeper to say this again, in the
midst of the witnesses of what his conduct had been on the
preceding night. Breme meant only,----and so forth.
Anxious and perplexed were all the faces now, except the
Lieutenant's own. His men had only a vague idea that something
was to happen to take away their occupation, and to do a great
mischief. Their officer bade them cheer up, and told them that it was
only to the article of silk that the reported regulations would relate.
"There is no knowing that," sagely observed the Collector. "When
they begin with such innovations, there is no telling where they will
leave off. With such a fancy once in their heads, Ministers (though
God forbid I should say any evil of them!) will not stop till they have
ruined the revenue, and laid waste the country under the curse of an
entirely free trade."
"I dare say they will be wise enough to retain duties which all
classes allow to be just; and the levying of them will afford you quite
sufficient occupation, Mr. Collector, if our trade increases, as it is
likely to do under such a system," replied the Lieutenant. "This little
custom-house may no longer be wanted as a store-place for
contraband goods; but there will be all the more to do in the large
ports; and there, sir, you may find an honourable and appropriate
place."
Neither the Collector nor any of his coadjutors, however, could be
consoled under the dire prospect of the total ruin of the revenue,
which was the result they chose to anticipate from the measures
understood to be now in contemplation. Their only ground of hope
was, that the British manufacturers would rise in a body to
remonstrate against the sacrifice of their interests. This, however,
considering that the most eminent of the body had already
petitioned for the opening of the trade, offered a very slender
promise of consolation.
Pim had early slipped away to spread the news of the
contemplated "ruin of the coast." The tidings spread from mouth to
Welcome to our website – the ideal destination for book lovers and
knowledge seekers. With a mission to inspire endlessly, we offer a
vast collection of books, ranging from classic literary works to
specialized publications, self-development books, and children's
literature. Each book is a new journey of discovery, expanding
knowledge and enriching the soul of the reade

Our website is not just a platform for buying books, but a bridge
connecting readers to the timeless values of culture and wisdom. With
an elegant, user-friendly interface and an intelligent search system,
we are committed to providing a quick and convenient shopping
experience. Additionally, our special promotions and home delivery
services ensure that you save time and fully enjoy the joy of reading.

Let us accompany you on the journey of exploring knowledge and

personal growth!

ebookgate.com