354 THE PHANTOM SHIP. 



originated with the Dutch, and found believers among sea- 

 men of all countries. Sir Walter Scott alludes to this 

 spectral illusion as a harbinger of woe : 



" The pliantom ship whose form 

 Shoots like a meteor througli the storm. 

 When the dark scud comes driving hard. 

 And lower'd is every topsail-yard, 

 And canvas wove in earthly looms 

 No more the brave the storm presumes 

 Then 'mid the roar of sea and sky. 

 Top and top-gallant hoisted high. 

 Full spread and crowded every sail, 

 The demon frigate braves the gale, 

 And well the doom'd spectators know 

 The harbinger of wreck and woe." 



Water-spouts at sea were regarded in olden times with 

 great terror. Sailors were accustomed to discharge artil- 

 lery at these moving columns to accelerate their fall, from a 

 fear lest the vessel should be sunk by them. The principal 

 danger, however, arises from the wind blowing in sudden 

 gusts in the vicinity of the spout from all points of the com- 

 pass, sufficient to capsize small vessels carrying much sail. 

 Another practice was to cut the air with a knife, while 

 reciting some prayers, by which simple enchantment it was 

 supposed the water-spouts would be reduced to submission. 

 If it happened, however, to be in an obstinate mood, two 

 sailors would draw their swords, and strike at each other, in 

 true gladiator style, taking care between each blow to make 

 the sign of the cross. 



It is a cheering instance of human progress that, by the 

 introduction of lightning-conductors into ships, the fearful 

 electric currents which destroyed many noble vessels is now 

 placed under control and rendered powerless. 



Among the ancients it was believed that certain persons 

 had the power of raising tempests at sea. In the " Odys- 

 sey," -^olus is described as possessing these attributes, and 



