_Clue-lines_ are used to truss up the clues, or to lower the corners of the largest sails. _The Brake_ is the handle of the pump, by which it is worked. _Bowlines_ are ropes for keeping the windward edge of the sail steady. _The Wells_ are places in the ship's hold for the pumps, &c. _Earings_ are small lines, by which the uppermost corners of the largest sails are secured to the yard-arms. _Reefs_ are spaces by which the principal sails are reduced when the wind is too high, and enlarged again when its force abates. _Topsails_ are long and square, of the second degree in magnitude in all great ships. _Haliards_ are single ropes, by which the sails are hoisted up and lowered at pleasure. _Tally_ is the operation of hauling aft the _sheets_, or drawing them in the direction of the ship's stern. _Towing_ is the operation of drawing a vessel forward by means of long lines, &c. _Timoneer_, from the French _timonnier_, is a name given, on particular occasions, to the steersman of a ship. _Bars_ are large masses of sand or earth, formed by the surge of the sea; they are mostly found at the entrances of great rivers or havens, and often render navigation extremely dangerous. _The Ox-Eye_, so called by seamen, is a remarkable appearance in the heavens, resembling a small lurid speck, and always precedes two particular storms, known only between the tropics. _Azimuth-Compass_ is an instrument employed for ascertaining the sun's magnetical azimuth. _Studding-Sails_ are long and narrow, and are used only in fine weather, on the outside of the large square sails. _Stay-Sails_ have three corners, and are hoisted up on the stays when the wind crosses the ship. _Broaching-to_ is a sudden movement in navigation, when the ship, while scudding before the wind, accidentally turns her side to windward. _Wales_ are a number of strong and thick planks, covering the lower part of the ship's side. _Scud_ is a name given by sailors to the lowest clouds; which are mostly observed in squally weather. _The Sheets_ are ropes used for extending the clues, or lowering the corners of the sails. _Brails_ are ropes used to truss up a sail to a mast or yard. _Reef-Bands_ are long pieces of rough canvass sewed across the sails to give them additional strength. _Scudding_ is a term applied to a vessel when carried furiously along by a tempest. _Leeward_ implies when the ship lies on that side to which the wind is directed. _Windbound_ means when the ship is detained in one particular station by contrary winds. _Windward_ is when the ship is in the direction of the wind. * * * * * CHRONICLES OF THE CANONGATE. (_To the Editor of the Mirror._)