y, her burden is determined by weight; but
if light, she carries as much as she can conveniently stow. A ton in
measure is estimated at 2000 lbs. in weight; a vessel of 200 tons ought
therefore to carry a weight equal to 400,000 lbs.; but if she cannot
float high enough with as great a quantity of it as her hold will
contain, then a diminution of it becomes necessary. Vessels carry heavy
goods by the ton of 20 cwt., but lighter goods by a ton of cubic feet,
which varies according to the custom of the port; in London it is 40, in
India from 50 to 52, depending on the goods. Vessels can carry (not
safely) twice their tonnage.

LADEN IN BULK. A cargo neither in casks, bales, nor cases, but lying
loose in the hold, only defended from wet by mats and dunnage. Such are
usually cargoes of salt, corn, &c.

LADIA. An unwieldy boat in Russia, for transporting the produce of the
interior.

LADIE'S LADDER. Shrouds rattled too closely.

LADING. A vessel's cargo.

LADLE, FOR A GUN. An instrument for charging with loose powder; formed
of a cylindrical sheet of copper-tube fitted to the end of a long
staff.--_Paying-ladle._ An iron ladle with a long channelled spout
opposite to the handle; it is used to pour melted pitch into the seams.

LADRON. A term for thief, adopted from the Spanish.

LADRONE SHIP. Literally a pirate, but it is the usual epithet applied by
the Chinese to a man-of-war.

LADY OF THE GUN-ROOM. A gunner's mate, who takes charge of the
after-scuttle, where gunners' stores are kept.

LAGAN, OR LAGAM. Anglo-Saxon _liggan_. A term in derelict law for goods
which are sunk, with a buoy attached, that they may be recovered. Also,
things found at the bottom of the sea. Ponderous articles which sink
with the ship in wreck.

LAGGERS. On canals, men who lie on their backs on the top of the lading,
and pushing against the bridges and tunnels pass the boats through.
Also, a transported convict; a lazy fellow.--_To lag._ To loiter.

LAGGIN. The end of the stave outside a cask or tub.

LAGOON. An inland broad expanse of salt water, usually shallow, and
connected with the sea by one or more channels, or washes over the reef.

LAGOON ISLANDS. Those produced by coral animals; they are of various
shapes, belted with coral, frequently with channels by which ships may
enter, and lie safely inside. They are often studded with the cocoa-nut
palm. (_See_ ATOLLS.)

LAGUNES. The shallows which extend round Venice; their depth