PORTER'S JOURNAL. 
gun-deck, where they will not be disturbed by persons at work 
or running against them. 
What can be more dreadful than for 300 men to be confined 
with their hammocks, being only 18 inches apart, on the birth- 
deck of a small frigate, a space of 70 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 
5 feet high, in a hot climate, where the only aperture by which 
they can receive air are two hatchways, of about 6 feet 
square ? Their situation must be little superior to the wretches 
who perished in the black hole of Calcutta. A call to their watch 
must be a relief from their sufferings ; and although it exposes 
them to all the ills attending the violent and sudden chills occa- 
sioned by the dews and night air while the pores are open, and 
the body in a profuse perspiration, it is more tolerable than suf¬ 
focation. Those sudden and frequent changes from melting to 
freezing must, in time, wear out the strongest constitution, and 
produce incurable diseases. From the number confined in so 
small a space, the whole atmosphere of the ship becomes tainted, 
and not only those who are compelled to sleep below, but every 
person on board, breathes and is affected by the pernicious vapours 
arising from the birth-deck. Various expedients have been fallen 
on to remove this foul air: fumigation with gunpowder, and 
burning fires below, purifying by sprinkling vinegar, and ventj* 
lating by means of wind-sails; but the most effectual remedy, al¬ 
though the most uncomfortable, and perhaps not adapted for 
that object, is the French practice of baking their bread in ovens 
built on the birth-deck. While heating them, a constant current 
of air rushes towards the fire, the foul air is carried off, and fresh 
air rushes in to supply its place. I have not, however, found 
either of those methods necessary, and therefore have adopted 
none except ventilation. As we have but few who sleep on the 
birth-deck, we have no foul air generated; and it is found that good 
wind sails, and a little vinegar evaporated in the manner former¬ 
ly mentioned, are sufficient to keep the air perfectly sweet. The 
latter practice, however, is in opposition to the opinion of Dr« 
Miller, my surgeon, who declares it to be extremely injurious, 
in consequence of the corrosive qualities of the vinegar; the 
smell arising from it, however, is very agreeable, the vapour very 
