g too great a
weight in ships' bottoms, which impedes their sailing and endangers
their masts by excessive rolling, the consequence of bringing the centre
of gravity too low. It should be trimmed with due regard to the
capacity, gravity, and flooring, and to the nature of whatever is to be
deposited thereon. (_See_ TRIM.)

BALLAST. As a verb, signifies to steady;--as a substantive, a
comprehensive mind. A man is said to "lose his ballast" when his
judgment fails him, or he becomes top-heavy from conceit.

BALLASTAGE. An old right of the Admiralty in all our royal rivers, of
levying a rate for supplying ships with ballast.

BALLAST-BASKET. Usually made of osier, for the transport and measure of
shingle-ballast. Supplied to the gunner for transport of loose
ammunition.

BALLAST-LIGHTER A large flat-floored barge, for heaving up and carrying
ballast.

BALLAST-MARK. The horizontal line described by the surface of the water
on the body of a ship, when she is immersed with her usual weight of
ballast on board.

BALLAST-MASTER. A person appointed to see the port-regulations in
respect to ballast carried out.

BALLAST-PORTS. Square holes cut in the sides of merchantmen for taking
in ballast. But should be securely barred and caulked in before
proceeding to sea.

BALLAST-SHIFTING. When by heavy rolling the ballast shifts in the hold.

BALLAST-SHINGLE. Composed of coarse gravel.

BALLAST-SHOOTING. (_See_ SHOOTS.) In England, and indeed in most
frequented ports, the throwing of ballast overboard is strictly
prohibited and subject to fine.

BALLAST-SHOVEL. A peculiar square and spoon-pointed iron shovel.

BALLAST-TRIM. When a vessel has only ballast on board.

BALLATOON. A sort of long heavy luggage-vessel of upwards of a hundred
tons, employed on the river between Moscow and the Caspian Sea.

BALL-CARTRIDGE. For small arms.

BALL-CLAY. Adhesive strong bottom, brought up by the flukes of the
anchors in massy lumps.

BALLISTA. An ancient military engine, like an enormous cross-bow, for
throwing stones, darts, and javelins against the enemy with rapidity and
violence. Also, the name of the geometrical cross called Jacob's staff.

BALLISTER. A cross-bow man.

BALLISTIC PENDULUM. An instrument for determining the velocity of
projectiles. The original pendulum was of very massive construction, the
arc through which it receded when impinged on by the projectile, taking
into account their respective weights, afford