The masts, yards, and sails of a sloop are as follows:--As has been already said, one of the distinctive peculiarities of a sloop is, that it has only _one_ mast. This mast is sometimes formed of one _stick_, sometimes of two; the second, or top-mast, being fastened to the top of the lower mast by _cross-trees_ and _cap_, in such a way that it may be hoisted or lowered at pleasure. A sloop has usually four sails,--a mainsail, fore-sail, gaff, and jib. The _main-sail_ is behind the lower mast. It reaches from within a few feet of the deck to the top of the lower mast, and spreads out upon two yards towards the stern or after part of the ship, over which it projects a few feet. The lower yard of the main-sail is called the boom, and the upper the main-sail yard. This is by far the largest sail in the sloop. Above it is spread the _gaff_, which is comparatively a small sail, and is used when the wind is not very strong. The _fore-sail_ is a triangular sheet, which traverses on the _fore-stay_; that is, the strong rope which runs from the lower mast-head to the bow, or front part of the sloop. On the bowsprit is stretched the _jib_, another triangular sail, which reaches nearly to the top of the lower mast. The only sail that rises above the lower mast is the gaff. In stormy weather this sail is always taken down. If the wind increases to a gale, the jib is lowered and lashed to the bowsprit. Should the gale increase, a reef is taken in the main-sail. One, two, three, and sometimes four reefs are taken in, according to the violence of the storm; when the last reef is taken in, the sloop is under _close-reefed_ main-sail. Increased violence in the storm necessitates the taking in of the main-sail and _lying-to_ under the fore-sail, or a part of it. Lying-to is putting the sloop's head to the wind, and placing the helm in such a position that it tends to turn the vessel in one direction, while the gale acting on the fore-sail tends to force it in another, and thus it remains stationary between the two opposing forces. Many vessels thus _lie-to_, and ride out the severest storm. Sometimes, however, a dreadful hurricane arises, and compels vessels to take in all sails and "_scud under_ _bare poles_"--that is, _drive before_ the wind without any sails at all; and it is at such seasons that man is forced to feel his utter helplessness, and his absolute dependence on the Almighty. Of course, there are slight variations in the rig of sloops--some have a _square-sail_, and some have a _flying-jib_; but these are not distinctive sails, and they are seldom used in small craft. Doubtless, those of our readers who have dwelt on the sea-coast must have observed that boats and vessels frequently sail in precisely opposite directions, although acted upon by the same wind. This apparent paradox may be explained thus:--