Since the first edition of this work was published, I have been favoured with several valuable remarks on this subject, by Captain Caldwell, an officer of great humanity and experience. Among other remarks, he observes, that the different articles of clothing supplied to sailors are, in general, too slight, and of too small a size, which renders them expensive and inconvenient to large men. The trowsers, he observes, should be much thicker, and larger, as the least shower goes through them; and, in a cold climate, those made of _fear-nought_[84], which do not cost more than the others, should also be allowed. What a situation are men in when topsails are reefing in the winter season while it rains, when cold and wet, with their trowsers sticking to them, (which would not be the case if they were of flannel) and it is not practicable that they should have change of clothing for every time they are obliged to be wet? Thick, double-milled caps are much wanted in bad weather to cover the head and ears. Dutch caps do not keep out the weather, and will not stay on the head. It is commonly remarked that the men who wear the thickest linen shirts are the most healthy. Men, upon first entering into the service, are allowed the advance of two months wages, in order to provide necessaries: but this, inadequate as it is for a long voyage, is not extended to pressed men. It is also argued against making large stoppages in seamen’s wages; that, by diminishing what they have to receive when paid off, a discouragement is thereby given to the service. But as we see men deserting from men of war when several years wages are due to them, the most reasonable and effectual encouragement seems to be to render their lives as comfortable and healthy as possible. But why might not most of the articles mentioned be supplied gratuitously? In favour of which Captain Caldwell makes use of an argument frequently inculcated in this work, viz. that so much advantage would accrue to Government by preserving the health and lives of men, and so much would be saved in hospitals, as would much more than reimburse the extraordinary expence[85]. CHAP. IV. Of EXERCISE. It commonly happens in a ship of war that a great proportion of the hands is landsmen; for, besides the men required to navigate the ship, a great number is necessary to fight the guns, as well as for other duties, and their health may be affected by the want of exercise. It has been observed before, that one use of frequent reviews and musters in a numerous crew is, to call forth men that would otherwise be overlooked, to oblige them to come into the open air, to keep themselves clean, and to prevent them from indulging in filth and laziness. It is observed, that seamen are in general less subject to scurvy than marines and landsmen, which seems to be owing to the greater activity of their life and alacrity of their minds.