s.

_Reefs_ are spaces by which the principal sails are reduced when the
wind is too high, and enlarged again when its force abates.

_Topsails_ are long and square, of the second degree in magnitude in all
great ships.

_Haliards_ are single ropes, by which the sails are hoisted up and
lowered at pleasure.

_Tally_ is the operation of hauling aft the _sheets_, or drawing them in
the direction of the ship's stern.

_Towing_ is the operation of drawing a vessel forward by means of long
lines, &c.

_Timoneer_, from the French _timonnier_, is a name given, on particular
occasions, to the steersman of a ship.

_Bars_ are large masses of sand or earth, formed by the surge of the
sea; they are mostly found at the entrances of great rivers or havens,
and often render navigation extremely dangerous.

_The Ox-Eye_, so called by seamen, is a remarkable appearance in the
heavens, resembling a small lurid speck, and always precedes two
particular storms, known only between the tropics.

_Azimuth-Compass_ is an instrument employed for ascertaining the sun's
magnetical azimuth.

_Studding-Sails_ are long and narrow, and are used only in fine weather,
on the outside of the large square sails.

_Stay-Sails_ have three corners, and are hoisted up on the stays when
the wind crosses the ship.

_Broaching-to_ is a sudden movement in navigation, when the ship, while
scudding before the wind, accidentally turns her side to windward.

_Wales_ are a number of strong and thick planks, covering the lower part
of the ship's side.

_Scud_ is a name given by sailors to the lowest clouds; which are mostly
observed in squally weather.

_The Sheets_ are ropes used for extending the clues, or lowering the
corners of the sails.

_Brails_ are ropes used to truss up a sail to a mast or yard.

_Reef-Bands_ are long pieces of rough canvass sewed across the sails to
give them additional strength.

_Scudding_ is a term applied to a vessel when carried furiously along by
a tempest.

_Leeward_ implies when the ship lies on that side to which the wind is
directed.

_Windbound_ means when the ship is detained in one particular station by
contrary winds.

_Windward_ is when the ship is in the direction of the wind.

* * * * *

CHRONICLES OF THE CANONGATE.

(_To the Editor of the Mirror._)

Sir,--Since my last communication to you on the subject of the works, so
commonly spoken of as by the "Grea