[Page 66], l. 20.
And the dark scud in swift succession flies.
The scud is a name given by seamen to the lowest and lightest clouds, which are swiftly driven along the atmosphere by the winds.
[Page 66], l. 22.
Low in the wave the leeward cannon lie.
When the wind crosses a ship’s course, either directly or obliquely, that side of the ship upon which it acts is termed the weather side; and the opposite one, which is then pressed downwards, is termed the lee side; all on one side of her is accordingly called to windward, and all on the opposite side to leeward: hence also are derived the lee cannon, the lee braces, weather braces, &c.
[Page 66], l. 24; and [Page 67], l. 2.
Topsails, reef, blocks.
Topsails are large square sails, of the second magnitude and height; as the courses are of the first magnitude, and the lowest.—Reefs are certain divisions of the sail, which are taken in or let out in proportion to the increase or diminution of the wind. Blocks are what landsmen would rather term, from the French word, (poulie) pullies.