mined into and noted down,
to be reproduced that day month, or its absence accounted for. I tried
a middle course in my own ship, which appeared to answer all the
purposes required. From time to time the men were ordered to bring
their bags to divisions, and to spread out their clothes to air on the
deck, over the guns, along the hammock-nettings, or in the rigging. In
this way the officers and mids, who passed repeatedly up and down the
line, had opportunities enough, if they did their duty, to see that
all the clothes were clean, dry, and in good order. When any man's
things were observed not to be in the condition demanded by the
regulations of the ship, or he was found ragged in his clothes, or not
properly dressed, then such delinquent was no longer indulged with the
exemption, but had his kit subjected to a daily, or weekly, or monthly
scrutiny, as the case might be. As long as he was in this predicament,
he was obliged to exhibit every article in proper condition, and was
not at liberty, without asking leave, to destroy even such worn-out
things as an old Jew clothesman would turn up his beard at. I took
care that no part of this surveillance should be talked of as a
punishment, although, unquestionably, it was intended and felt as
such; but studied rather to give it the character of a necessary duty
in the instance of individuals who, if not so watched, would, by their
misconduct, hurt the general discipline of the ship. It was very
seldom that any one exposed to such drilling for a month or six weeks
ever brought himself within the range of its humiliation a second
time.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] CLASSES AND DENOMINATIONS OF HER MAJESTY'S SHIPS.

1. Rated Ships, viz.:--

_First Rate_.--All Three-decked Ships.

_Second Rate_.--One of Her Majesty's Yachts, and all Two-decked Ships
whose war complements consist of 700 men and upwards.

_Third Rate_.--Her Majesty's other Yachts, and all such Yachts as may
bear the Flag or Pendant of an Admiral or Captain Superintending one
of Her Majesty's Dock-yards; and all Ships whose complements are under
700 and not less than 600.

_Fourth Rate_.--Ships whose complements are under 600 and not less
than 400.

_Fifth Rate_.--Ships whose complements are under 400 and not less than
250.

_Sixth Rate_.--Ships under 250.

2. Sloops and Bomb-Vessels; all such as are commanded by Commanders.

3. All other smaller Vessels; such as are commanded by Lieutenants or
inferior officer