_Origin of "Clipper" as applied to Vessels_ (Vol. viii., p. 100.).--For
many years the fleetest sailing vessels built in the United States were
{399} constructed at Baltimore. They were very sharp, long, low; and their
masts were inclined at a much greater angle than usual with those in other
vessels. Fast sailing pilot boats and schooners were thus rigged; and in
the last war with England, privateers of the Baltimore build were
universally famed for their swiftness and superior sailing qualities. "A
Baltimore clipper" became the expression among shipbuilders for a vessel of
peculiar make; in the construction of which, fleetness was considered of
more importance than a carrying capacity. When the attention of naval
architects was directed to the construction of swift sailing ships, they
were compelled to adopt the clipper shape. Hence the title "Clipper Ship,"
which has now extended from America to England.
[Old English W].
Philadelphia.
_Passage in Tennyson_ (Vol. viii., p. 244.).--In the third edition of _In
Memoriam_, LXXXIX., 1850, the last line mentioned by W. T. M. is "Flits by
the sea-blue bird of March," instead of "blue sea-bird." This reading
appears to be a better one. I would suggest that the bird meant by Tennyson
was the Tom-tit, who, from his restlessness, may be said to flit among the
bushes.