he whale with a very large head and no
dorsal fin, which yields the whalebone and train-oil of commerce, in
opposition to the fin-backs or rorquals, which are scarcely worth
catching. There are several species found both in the Arctic and
Southern seas, but never within the tropics.

RIG OF A SHIP. The disposition of the masts, cut of sails, &c., whether
square or fore-and-aft rigs. In fact, the rig denotes the character of
the vessel.

RIG THE CAPSTAN, TO. To fix the bars in the drumhead in readiness for
heaving; not forgetting to pin and swift. (_See_ CAPSTAN.)

RIG THE GRATINGS. Prepare them for punishment.

RILE. An old corruption of _rail_. To ruffle the temper; to vex.

RILL. A very small run of fresh water, less than a rivulet.

RIM, OR BRIM. A name given to the circular edge of a top. (_See_ TOP.)

RIM-BASE. The shoulder on the stock of a musket.

RIME. Hoar-frost; condensed vapour.

RIMER. A palisade in fortification; but for its naval application, _see_
REEMING. Also, a tool for enlarging holes in metal plates, &c.

RIMS. Those pieces which form the quarter-galleries between the stools.
Also, the cast-iron frame in which the dropping pauls of a capstan
traverse, and bring up the capstan.

RING. A commercial measure of staves, or wood prepared for casks, and
containing four shocks. Also, the iron ring to which the cable is bent
to the anchor in the summit of the shank.

RING-BOLT. An iron bolt with an eye at one end, wherein is fitted a
circular ring. They are more particularly used for managing cannon, and
are for this purpose fixed on each side of the port-holes. They are
driven through the plank and the corresponding timber, and retained in
this position by a clinching ring.

RING-DOGS. Iron implements for hauling timber along: made by connecting
two common dogs by a ring through the eyes. When united with cordage
they form a _sling-dog_ (which see).

RING-ROPES. Ropes rove through the ring of the anchor, to haul the cable
through it, in order to bend or make it fast in bad weather; they are
first rove through the ring, and then through the hawse-holes, when the
end of the cable is secured to them.

RINGS. The annual circular layers in timber. Also, grommets, or circles
of metal for lifting things by hand, or securing the points of bolts,
&c., as hatch or port rings.

RING-STOPPER. A long piece of rope secured to an after ring-bolt, and
the loop embracing the cable through the next, and ot