DESCENDING SIGNS. Those in which the sun appears to descend from the north pole, or in which his motion in declination is towards the south. DESCENDING SQUALL. A fitful gust of wind issuing from clouds which are formed in the lower parts of the atmosphere. It is usually accompanied with heavy showers, and the weatherwise observe that the squall is seldom so violent when it is followed as when it is preceded by rain. (_See_ WHITE SQUALL as a forerunner.) DESCENSION. The same as _oblique ascension_ (which see). DESCENT. The landing of troops for the purpose of invading a country. The passage down a river. DESCRIPTION-BOOK. A register in which the age, place of birth, and personal description of the crew are recorded. DESERT. An extensive tract, either absolutely sterile, or having no other vegetation than small patches of grass or shrubs. Many portions of the present deserts seem to be reclaimable. DESERTER. One that quits his ship or the service without leave. He is marked R (_run_) on the books, and any clothes or other effects he may have left on board are sold by auction at the mast, and the produce borne to account. DESERTION. The act of quitting the Army or Navy without leave, with intention not to return. DESERTION-MONEY. The sum of three pounds paid to him who apprehends a deserter, which is charged against the offender's growing pay--his wages for previous service having become forfeited from his having _run_. DESTROYING PAPERS. A ground of condemnation in the Admiralty court. DETACHED. On detached service. A squadron may be detached under a commodore or senior officer. DETACHED BASTION. A bastion cut off by a ditch about its gorge from the body of the place, which latter is thus rendered in a degree independent of the fall of the former. DETACHED ESCARP. An escarp wall, originally invented by Carnot, and revived by the Prussians, removed some distance to the front of the rampart; which latter, being finished exteriorly at the natural slope of the earth, remains effective after the destruction of the wall by a besieger. It was at first intended, being kept low and covered by a near counterguard, to offer extraordinary difficulties to the besieger's breaching batteries; but improved artillery has nullified that supposed advantage. DETACHED WORKS. Works included in the scheme of defence of a fortress, but separated from it, and beyond the glacis. DETACHMENT. A force detached from the main body for employment on any particular service. DETAIL OF DUTY. The captain's night orders. DETENTION OF A VESSEL: on just ground, as supposed war, suspicious papers, undue number of men, found hovering, or cargo not in conformity with papers or law.