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Another defedl in merchant veiTels is, that they are too 

 fliort. The progrefs of a fliip that wants length is impeded 

 by perpetual afcent and defcent, even in water but moderately 

 agitated ; while one that has it proceeds with little more than 

 diredl motion. But this is not the only objedion to want of 

 length : — The tendency of the upper fails of a fliip is, not only to 

 propel horizontally, but, in a very, conliderable degree, to prefs 

 down the head and elevate the ftern, as will appear evident when 

 it is confidered that the mafl is adled upon as a lever, the upper 

 deck is the fulcrum, and the parts above and below it the two 

 arms. Now the adlion of the wind that fills the upper fails 

 is nearly upon the point of the long arm, and the degree of 

 refiftance to the deprefTmg force fo caufed is determined by 

 the length of the line from one extreme horizontal point of 

 the Ihip to the other ; when therefore this line is fhort, in 

 proportion to the height of the maft, the effect is not only 

 evident in a high or ripling fea, with the wind fair and 

 ftrong, but even in fmooth water, the veffel, particularly if 

 fmall, proceeds with evident deviation from the horizontal 

 pofition which her hull is intended to preferve, as well when 

 in motion as at anchor ; and by this means the points of 

 dire(fl refiftance are multiplied, as the height of the frothy 

 wave at the bows of fuch vefTels in their progrefs, or the 

 difproportion of that wave to their velocity, fliape and fize, 

 evidently fhews. 



A THIRD defetft too", not lefs ftriking than thefe, is that 

 the veflels I mention are too narrow. A few feet of length 



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