SHIPS. 173 



Fore-topgallant-mast. — A spar next above the forctop-mast, 



Fore-royal-mast.— A spai- next above the Ibre-topgallant- 

 niast. 



Skysail-mast. — The topmost spar of the tier of masts. 



Ships have, ordinarily, a mainmast and mizzenmast constructed 

 to correspond with the foremast. The yards and sdifs at- 

 tached bear each the name of the mast on which it is set, 

 prefixed ; as foreyard, foretop-sail, main-royal, etc. 



Peil'dant. — A long, narrow flag or streamer displayed from the 

 ship's mast-head, and usually terminating in two points. 



Prow. — The head or fore-part of a ship. 



Quar'ter-deck, — That part of the deck of a ship which extends 

 from the stern to the mainmast. 



Ratlines. — Lines which make the ladder steps for going up 

 the shrouds and ascending to the mast-head. 



Round'top. — A platform at the mast-head. 



Rudder. — The instrument, attached to the stern-post, by which 

 a ship is steered. 



Scup'pers, or Scup'per-holes. — Channels cut through the 

 water-ways and sides of a vessel at proper distances, and 

 lined with lead, for carrying oif the water from the deck. 



Scut'tle. — A small hatchway or opening in the deck, large 

 enough to admit a man, and with a lid for covering it. 



Sheet. — A rope fastened to one or both the lower courses of a 

 sail to extend and retain it in a particular situation. 



Shrouds. — A range of large ropes extending from the head of 

 a mast to the right and left sides of a ship to support the 

 masts and enable them to carry sail. 



Spank'er. — The after-sail of a ship or bark. 



Spars. — The round pieces of timber used for the yards and 

 topmasts of ships. 



Spen'cer. — A fore-and-aft sail set abaft the fore and main mast ; 

 a trysail. 



Stay. — A large strong rope employed to support the mast by 

 being extended from its upper end toward the st^m of the 

 ship. 



Stay'sail. — Any sail extended on a stay. 



Steer'age. — An apartment in the fore-part of a ship, for pas- 

 sengers. 



Stud'ding-sail. — A sail that is set beyond the skirts of the 

 principal sails in moderate weather. 



Tac'kle. — The rigging, blocks, and other apparatus of a ship. 



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