and was revealed by the effect
which its attraction had produced upon the movements of Uranus; this was
one of the most admirable solutions in modern mathematical science.
Neptune, so far as is yet known, has no satellites.

NEPTUNES. Large brass pans used in the Bight of Biafra for obtaining
salt.

NEPTUNE'S GOBLETS. The large cup-shaped sponges found in the eastern
seas; _Raphyrus patera_.

NEPTUNE'S SHEEP. Waves breaking into foam, called white horses.

NESS [Ang.-Sax. _naes_]. A projection of land, as Dungeness, Sheerness,
&c. It is common in other European languages, as the French _nez_,
Italian _naso_, Russian _noss_, Norwegian _naze_, &c. Our Dunnose is an
example.

NEST. _See_ CROW'S NEST.

NET. In commerce, is the weight of a commodity alone, without the
package.

NET AND COBLE. The means by which sasses or flood-gates are allowed in
fishings on navigable rivers.

NETTING. Network of rope or small line for the purpose of securing
hammocks, sails, &c.--_Boarding netting._ A stout netting formerly
extended fore and aft from the gunwale to a proper height up the
rigging. Its use was to prevent an enemy from jumping on
board.--_Splinter netting._ Is stretched from the main-mast aft to the
mizen-mast, in a horizontal position, about 12 feet above the
quarter-deck. It secures those engaged there from injury by the fall of
any objects from the mast-heads during an action:

"And has saved the lives of many men
Who have fallen from aloft."

NETTLES. Small line used for seizings, and for hammock-clues. (_See_
KNITTLE.)--_To nettle_, is to provoke.

NEUTRALS. Those who do not by treaty owe anything to either party in
war; for if they do they are confederates. They are not to interfere
between contending powers; and the right of security justifies a
belligerent in enforcing the conditions. They are not allowed to trade
from one port of the enemy to another, nor to be habitually employed in
his coasting trade. Indeed the simple conveyance of any article to the
opponent of the blockading squadron, at once settles the non-admission,
or even hovering.

NEVER SAY DIE! An expressive phrase, meaning do not despair, there is
hope yet.--_Nil desperandum!_ As Cowper says,

"Beware of desperate steps. The darkest day,
Wait till to-morrow, will have passed away."

NEW ACT. The going on shore without leave, and which though thus termed
new, is an old trick.

NEWCOME. An officer commencing his caree