[14] Vessels bringing wood from the North take on larger cargoes as
they approach more nearly the rectangular form; those carrying
grain and crops when they are rounded. Vessels from the North
and the Indies carrying heavy freights are generally larger than
those which carry crops, wines, etc., as are also the boats
which carry salt.
[15] But if it be remembered that, by reason of deep holds and better
loading, all boats tend more and more toward the rectangular
shape, it is seen that now there are no longer found as many
differences in the various forms of vessels as used formerly to
exist. For a well built modern hull will be, so far as cargo
capacity is concerned, but little inferior to the Smalschip
which resembles it in length, beam and draught of water. And the
well built “Damschuit” will also be able to hold its own against
the “Damlooper” up to a certain point.
[16] The rounding of these boats forward and aft was of advantage to
the boatman as they could take on a much larger load than that
given by their gauge.
[17] When a hole, caused by a cannon ball below the water line,
cannot be stopped from the inside, because the cargo, for
example, interferes with the operation, a man is placed outside
the boat on a plank to which is secured a step which lets him
go under water to close the hole. He takes an oiled rag in his
mouth to prevent the water from getting inside of his body.
[18] It (de luierwagen) serves to support the forward end of the
tiller and also to resist the force exerted by the helmsman on
the tiller of the rudder.
[19] A long opening worked in the bulwarks at the stern of the
vessel, allowed the tiller to swing well from side to side.
_Draai over boord_ means simply that the tiller can swing
entirely clear above the rail.
[20] Holland means here the two provinces of the Netherlands called
North and South Holland.
[Illustration: 4]