^ of Ships and Vessels. 325 



masts, till the system of stowage has undergone considerable 

 alterations. 



I have ventured to assert that, generally speaking, there is no 

 regular system followed in stowing our ships. In proof of 

 which, I think it is only necessary to recollect the many 

 alterations in the stowage of our experimental ships, and the 

 various alterations in the trim of them at sea, and which 

 appear to have made considerable 'alterations in their sailing 

 qualities. 



It is a very common practice to trim ships by making each 

 man carry a shot or two aft ; removing the foremost guns aft, 

 and which is frequently done to ease a ship in a head-sea. But 

 it should be recollected when a ship is in chace, the foremost 

 guns are those generally first wanted, and require to be in their 

 places, and the men frequently required in their stations. It 

 must, therefore, appear evident, that but few of our ships 

 are properly stowed ; and that it is most essential an attempt 

 should be made to improve the system, to obviate the necessity 

 of such alterations at sea, by a better arrangement of the 

 ballast, stores, and provisions. 



I am of opinion that perfection in the stowage should be made 

 a primary object; when that is attained, there will be a sure 

 foundation to work from, in finding a true proportion for the 

 masts. It appears to me perfectly easy, and I hope to see it 

 reduced to a regular and perfect system. 



I am also of opinion that, after viewing the formation of a ves- 

 sel's bottom, very little consideration is required to determine 

 how she ought to be stowed. Naval architects recommend the 

 weight to be kept as near the centre as possible ; to me the 

 formation of the bottom points it out, and that the extremities 

 should be kept as light as possible, to ease the pitching and 

 sending motion in a head sea. That all has not been done to 

 effect that object, and which appears to me easily may, I shall 

 endeavour to explain. 



Much cannot be said, and very little need be, as to the most 

 proper place for stowing the ballast alone or its arrangement : 

 it is the distribution of the other weights which can most con- 

 tribute to it ; and the great weights, at present in the fore extre- 

 mity, stand opposed to it. 



