in distress." On looking round, we
could see nothing but a collier aground on the end of the spit. One
boat, or perhaps two, were sent from some of the ships--but not enough
to save her; so poor Jock lay on the shoal till he capsized, and there
was an end of him; for it came on to blow, and the shore, from South
Sea Castle to Blackhouse Point, was a complete beach of coal shingle.
Next morning out came a swinging reprimand to all of us, ordering a
"report in writing to be made forthwith of the reasons why the signal
made at four P.M. to send boats to the collier had not been obeyed." I
recommend folks fitting out, therefore, as they value their peace, to
trifle with anything rather than the port orders. For it is well to
consider, that a scold resembles a snow-ball--it always gathers weight
as it rolls along. Thus the Admiralty send down, by post or by
telegraph, a rap on the knuckles to the old admiral--very moderate as
naval things go, but such as, in civil life, would make a sober
citizen frantic, though it merely squeezes out a growl from the
venerable commander-in-chief. Straightway he rings for the secretary,
and issues a smartish general order, in which the wretched captain of
the offending ship catches the reprimand, with a most usurious
allowance of interest. Off goes the said skipper to his ship, in a
great fume and hurry, carrying a whole sail in the gig, though on
ordinary occasions he chooses to have a reef in. Souse comes the
wigging on the hapless first lieutenant; and he, in turn, only waits
till the captain goes below, that he may open a volcano of reproaches
on the long-suffering middies, who, though they probably now hear of
the offence for the first time, know much better than to make any
reply.

Such is naval discipline! a strange mixture of justice and injustice,
severity and indulgence--frankness and wrong-headedness, encouragement
and unfair dealing; but still we may be sure, that talents, industry,
perseverance, and, above all, resolute cheerfulness, with an absence
of the litigious habit of self-justification, must ensure success and
happiness, or, at least, give the best chance for them.

The first lieutenant of the ship fitting out will do well to have by
him a sheet of paper, ruled according to some tabular form, in which
he may insert the names of the men who enter, that he may form some
idea, when he comes to station them, what part of the ship each is fit
for.

A watch bill should be