194 On the Stability of Vessels. (Maren, 
rendered dry; and by the top sides, projecting, more room is given 
on the upper deck, and less breadth in the channels is requisite for 
spreading the shrouds which sustain the masts. Vessels 120 feet in 
length having generally three masts, it would appear that vessels 
twice that length should have a greater number; and so in all 
probability they would, but for the idea that the disadvantage of 
spreading less canvass when going before the wind was the conse- 
quence of increasing the number of masts, But suppose a vessel 
sailing right before the wind seven knots per hour, and by lufiing 
brings the wind two points on the quarter, the vesse} now sails on 
the hypotenuse of a triangle 753; in Jength; but if by having 
more sails draw, the velocity is mcreased to eight knots per hour, 
it is evident time is saved, and the objection to a greater number of 
masts obviated. Then the masts and yards would be lighter, and 
the diameter of the yards smaller, which would be advantages 
attending increasing the number of masts. It is a singular fact that 
by inspecting the logbooks of the East Indiamen 100 years hack, 
their rate of sailing was at least equal to that of the Company’s ships 
at the present period, though copper sheathing is generally intro- 
duced. From models of the men of war built in the reign of 
Charles II. it appears that very little improvement in point of form 
has taken place since that time. It is not improbable that a greater 
simplicity in the shape of vessels would prevent the water being 
thrown into those numerous eddies and whirls which retard the pro- 
gress of the ship, and injure the steering. The water, when it 
strikes an opposing body, endeavours to escape by the shortest road, 
and a globe offers less resistance than any other figure of equal base 
and altitude. ; 
Sailors and landsmen frequently differ in opinion respecting the 
stowage. The seaman lays it down as a rule that the stellage, or 
iron ballast, should be placed as near the centre of the vessel as 
possible; as the vessel then pitches less, and rolls easier, than it 
would do if the weight was extended towards the head and stern, 
and at a distance from the kelson, or middle of the vessel. The 
landsmen, on the contrary, assert thére can be no difference, be- 
cause the momentum will be equal; for instance, suppose a pair of 
scales, the beam being of any length, and that a 2 lb. weight be 
placed in each scale, and the whole made to vibrate, it is evident, 
provided each arm of the beam be of the same length, the mo- 
mentum of each must be the same, otherwise the beam would not 
rest in an horizontal position : consequently the momentum is the 
same, let the arms be longer or shorter. Suppose the beam 24 
inches long, then 12 x 2 — 24 and 12 x 2 — 24, the momen- 
tum on each side, Suppose the beam six inches long, then 3 x 2 
= 6 and 3 x 2 = 6, the same equality as in the first instance ; 
therefore the landsmen maintain it is no matter at what distance 
the ballast is placed, provided equal quantities are placed at equal 
distances from the centre of motion. ‘That the practical men are 
right, and the theoretical men wrong, ‘will appear evident from the 
