erly.

RAN. Yarns coiled on a spun-yarn winch.

RANCE. The strut or support of a Congreve rocket.

RANDAN. A mode of rowing with alternate long and short oars.

RANDOM SHOT. A shot, or _coup perdu_, made when the muzzle is highly
elevated; the utmost range may be at an angle of 45 deg., which is
supposed to carry about ten times as far as the point blank; but
improved gunnery has now put the term out of use.

RANGE. Placed in a line or row; a term hydrographically applied to
hills, as "the coast-range." Also, _galley-range_, or fire-grate.

RANGE, TO. To sail in a parallel direction, and near to; as "we ranged
the coast;" "the enemy came ranging up alongside of us."

RANGE-HEADS. The _windlass-bitts_ (which see).

RANGE OF A GUN. The horizontal distance which it will send a shot, at a
stated elevation, to the point of its first graze. Also, a place where
gun-practice is carried on. Also, a _level range_ implies the gun lying
horizontal. The various positions between this and 45 deg. are called
_intermediate ranges_.

RANGE OF CABLE. A sufficient quantity of cable left slack to allow the
anchor to reach the ground before the cable is checked by the double
turns round the bitts, the object being to let the anchor hook the
bottom quickly, and to prevent the heavy shock which would be caused if
its weight were suddenly brought upon the bitts.

RANGES, HORNED. Pieces of timber containing belaying pins, inside a
ship. Also, pieces of oak placed round the hatchways to contain shot.

RANK. Degree of dignity; officers of the navy rank with those of the
army according to the following table:--

1. The Admirals of the Fleet rank with Field-marshals.
2. Admirals " Generals.
3. Vice-admirals " Lieutenant-generals.
4. Rear-admirals " Major-generals.
5. Captains of the Fleet }
6. Commodores } " Brigadier-generals.
7. Captains of 3 years " Colonels.
8. Captains under 3 years " Lieutenant-colonels.
9. Commanders next to Do.
10. Lieutenants, 8 years rank with Majors.
11. Lieutenants, under 8 years " Captains.
12. Sub-lieutenants " Lieutenants.
13. Midshipmen " Ensigns.

Also, the order