+Coal Cargo.+ The Chief Mate should see that stowage is not commenced until the hold has been properly prepared. See that steel masts are carefully sealed, at the heel, that there is no "up take" for gases, in the event of fire. See that every possible point of "up take" is stopped off. See that shifting boards are firmly secured. That pillars and stanchions are secure, if they have been replaced, and that the hold, if length of passage warrants, is fitted with a gas pipe, plugged at bottom end, for lowering a thermometer into the body of the cargo. Temperatures should be taken at least every watch. +Ventilation.+ Ventilation, +on the surface of the coal+, is very necessary. Two ventilators, at least, for each hold; an intake and an uptake (uptake to windward). +Wet Coal.+ Wet coal is dangerous—it is specially subject to spontaneous combustion. +Trimming.+ In loading coal cargo, where nothing else is taken, the trim of the vessel should be carefully watched by the Chief Mate, and the trimmers directed in their work so that no subsequent trimming is required after the cargo is all on board. Many kinds of coal sift down and flow easily—this should be kept in mind. +Ore Cargo.+ Vessels carrying ore are usually designed for that particular trade. Where ore is to be carried in the usual type of freighter, special care must be taken to fit the required trunks and shifting boards. Heavy ore carried in the lower holds is liable to make a vessel crank, and the Chief Mate should see that means are provided for the lifting up of the weights, and the proper distribution, fore and aft. The usual plan, in a vessel with four holds, is to fill No. 2 and No. 3, and trim with No. 1 and No. 4. This keeps the cargo high amidships, and eases the vessel in a seaway. +Wooden Steamers.+ The shipment of ore cargoes in vessels of weak construction, should not be attempted unless the movement of the ore cannot be accomplished in any other way. The wooden steamers, built as an emergency measure, are a case in point. The highest skill in loading, stowage and handling will be required for these vessels. +Grain Cargo.+ The carriage of grain cargo calls for special precautions to prevent shifting. The British Board of Trade and the underwriters have made special rules for the stowage of such cargoes. The Chief Mate should inform himself of these rules as a part of his stock of knowledge. +Cotton Cargo.+ The danger to fire when loading a cotton cargo is great and every precaution should be taken. Smoking, which should never be permitted in the holds or about the hatches at any time, should be specially guarded against when loading cotton. Care should be taken that no sparks from the funnels, from passing or nearby tugboats, or from steam boilers on the wharf, find their way into the hatches. Have the fire lines connected up at all times and have the steam on the smothering lines.