+Care of Cargo.+ At the close of the working day the Chief Mate should see that the hatches are properly covered, the tarpaulins laid smooth and in proper number, and securely wedged, with battens, if necessary. During the day, or at any time while the hatches are open while working cargo, or otherwise, if rain is impending, the Chief Mate should use his judgment about covering hatches in which perishable cargo is exposed. He should also keep an eye on lighters alongside, and see that the lightermen cover their cargoes in plenty of time. Scuppers, outboard discharge pipes, as from the circulating pump, should be considered when lighters carrying perishable cargo are alongside. It is difficult often to establish the truth in regard to claims for damaged cargo, and blame often attaches to the ship, with resulting loss to the owners. This is often the case abroad—lightermen and consignees are often of the same nationality—great care in safeguarding the interests of the owners and the shippers is necessary. +Duty to Cargo.+ The Chief Mate who establishes a record for the care of cargo stamps himself as a man of reliable qualities—one who is bound to gain the confidence of his superiors and owners. Too much attention cannot be paid to this important part of the duty of a sea officer in the Merchant Service. The duty to cargo is a trust that should be impressed upon the minds of all members of the crew. Many officers, in charge of cargo work, look upon this part of their duty as a necessary nuisance—something to be bothered with as little as possible. On the other hand, an alert officer can prevent damage, and consequent loss to owners, amounting to more than his salary on every voyage. The Chief Mate should so regulate the hold duty, that the junior officers can relieve each other, and get the maximum amount of liberty. In ships so conducted, officers do not mind attending to business while on duty. Where hold duty is conducted on the chain gang system—all work and no leave—the owners suffer; so does the reputation of the Chief Mate. +Pilfering of Cargo.+ In many trades pilfering from the cargo has become a science. Wine casks are sprung out of true and the contents made away with, hoops are knocked loose and holes are drilled. In ports where the junk boat nuisance still prevails, vessels working cargo of all kinds are the victims of wholesale thievery. This sort of thing can only be stopped by vigilant supervision on the part of the officers of the vessel. Only reliable men should be put in the holds as watchmen. Offenders who are caught should be prosecuted—not merely discharged. The broaching of cargo by the crew is a serious offense. The loss must be made good, and the offender may be sentenced to a year in jail.