[Page 80], l. 13.
Companion, binacle.
The companion is a wooden porch placed over the ladder that leads down to the cabins of the officers. The binacle is a case, which is placed on deck before the helm, containing three divisions; the middle one for a lamp, or candle, and the two others for mariners’ compasses. There are always two binacles on the deck of a ship of war, one of which is placed before the master, at his appointed station. In all the old sea books it was called bittacle.
[Page 80], l. 19.
They sound the well.
The well is an apartment in a ship’s hold, serving to inclose the pumps: it is sounded by dropping down a measured iron rod, which is connected with a long line—The brake is the pump-handle.
[Page 83], l. 3.
Meanwhile Arion traversing the waist.
The waist is that part of a ship which is contained between the quarter deck and forecastle; or the middle of that deck which is immediately below them. When the waist of a merchant ship is only one or two steps in descent from the quarter deck and forecastle, she is said to be galley built; but when it is considerably deeper, as with six or seven steps, she is then called frigate built.