[21] It is still unfortunately too much the custom to risk the loss of ship and “sweet lives,” by neglecting the use of the lead.
[22] The tide runs two or three hours later in the offing than in shore; by attending to this, a vessel working down channel may gain great advantage.
[24] Probably what is now called a “gig”; a fast-pulling boat.
[25] Obviously a phrase of the period. Ancient Pistol is made to say: “Si fortuna me contenta, spero me contenta.”
[26] Familiar as we are with the present resources of the dockyard at Plymouth, we can hardly estimate the firmness that could bear up against such mischances; of this stuff were the founders of the British naval power composed.
Now fitted the halter, now traversed the cart, And often took leave yet was loath to depart.
[28] Chart, or perhaps card for reducing the courses and distances:--
_Second Witch._ I will give thee a wind. _First Witch._ Thou art kind. _Third Witch._ And I another. _First Witch._ I myself have all the other, And the very ports they blow, All the quarters that they know; I’ the shipman’s card. --_Macbeth._
[29] The seaman of 1600 appears to have differed very little from the seaman of 1800. Let us hope that the present race will discountenance such “lewd proceedings.”
[30] Thomas Cavendish, one of the early circumnavigators.
[31] Some such long-shore fellows are still to be met with.
[32] From the Dutch word _loeven_, to ply to windward.
[33] The “waytes” seem to have been either music played during the setting of the watch, or occasionally, to show that a look-out was kept. _Guetter_ (?)
[34] The use of private signals and the appointment of a place of rendezvous, may perhaps date from this period.
[37] A trivial hole left open, or a treenail not driven by a careless workman, may cause the failure of an important expedition; or at least cause great mischief and discomfort: which neglect still occasionally happens.
[38] _Amener le pavillon_--to haul down the ensign.
[40] Probably derived from _lâcher un coup_: to fire a shot.
[41] In those days the principle of “mare clausum” was acted upon; now it is “mare liberum” everywhere.
[42] Probably the islands that lie off Bayona, near Vigo.
[43] _Carabela_, (Spanish) a small vessel so called.