Each cask has its contents and date of package marked on it; and the provisions are stowed in such proportions that' one day's allowance of every kind can be got out without breaking bulk. The newest sort are placed lowest, and all casks are stowed bung up. Billets of wood ("Dunnage ") are packed under the 'chines," so that not only is the whole stowage made secure from the danger of shifting, but a sufficiency of fuel for the ovens is daily forthcoming. 66 A press of work such as this, unavoidably affords opportunities for trickery; and as in the early history of a ship there are always some who are more skilful with a gimlet and piece of straw, than with a marlingspike and piece of rope, spirit casks should be struck down and secured in the spirit room without a moment's delay. A young officer will find stowage of holds to offer a suitable opportunity for learning the use of bale and butt slings, canhooks, levers, wedges, &c., besides being very useful in carrying out the orders against naked lights. The keys of all store rooms are kept in the first lieutenant's cabin, and are supposed to be absent from thence only during the actual issue of stores. In ships where the bread room has been made a mess place, and the fore store-rooms a lounging place for idlers, the natural consequences have been foul air, dirt, and danger. From such causes, the *** was twice on fire during one commission. The engineers' stores are in such constant demand when under steam, that their store-room must be kept open: but it must be remembered that hemp or cotton, &c. with oil and lamp black, &c. (such as "wipes," for instance), generate heat, and will eventually ignite spontaneously on exposure to air. When the lamps are kept in order, oil "lights up" better than candles. A pint of good oil will burn eleven hours in an argand lamp, and give light equal to that of three six-mould candles. |