340 Notice of Sketches of Naval Life. 
as the sea was smooth; but I have seen it done in seas, where 
one would think the ship would sink instantly, without the use 
of her sails to steady her; and where her bow is acted on by 
waves that produce a convulsive quivering throughout, at every 
blow. They sometimes throw the vessel back again: it is called 
missing stays, and often produces dangerous Our aa, on a 
lee shore, it is nearly certain destruction.”—Vol. I. p. 1 
Anchoring in the straits of Salamis is thus described : 
“ There are nine men of war, English, French, and onedeer 
around us, watching the course of events. I wish you could 
have seen our ship as she anchored noe them this peaaiven: 
Coming to anchor is always an interesting operation, and always 
greatly enjoyed; for hearts then beat high, with the hope of 
ipl again ; and, generally, we have new scenes close around 
it is in a frequented place, the men are always ordered 
to clean themselves and dress; mats are taken from the rigging ; 
every rope is carefully adjusted, and the ship is made to look as 
neat as possible. The character of a vessel, and of her officers, 
gives a touch of the resigns at least, gives a deep interest to 
the occasion. The shi ms to swell out in her dimensions; 
every event takes cancel and, landsman as I am, | have 
learnt to be a critic, and detect the least epeootioia at such 
times. en, no one dares shew himself: if the men stoop to 
peep through’ a port, they are driven aw = ; if an officer steps 
on a gun carriage, he first gets across look, and then a message 
to come down. So we glide on in deep silence, bugle oe at 
intervals, by the lead-men’s cries—* by t-h-e m-a-r-k, tén ;” “ be 
t-h-e d-é-é 
reply. T 
Ser ase ae a lower part of the shrouds, the ees 
with — a feet on the ladder, ready for a spring; and at 
‘ re 
men. all do his work soonest and best, and 
where this is wanting, the boatswain’s colt supplies the lack.”— 
Vol. £. pp. 272—3. 
