s, or the capstan or windlass
spindles move.

SOD-BANK. A peculiar effect of refraction sometimes seen in calm
weather, showing all objects on the water multiplied or magnified. A
poor name for a fine phenomenon.

SOFT-LAES. A term on our northern coast for the small coves and bays
formed by the waves on the more friable parts of cliffs.

SOFT-PLANK. Picking a soft plank in the deck, is choosing an easy berth.
(_See_ PLANK IT.)

SOFT TOMMY, OR SOFT TACK. Loaves of bread served out instead of biscuit.

SOLAN-GOOSE. The gannet, _Sula bassana_, a well-known sea fowl,
frequenting the coasts of many countries in the northern hemisphere in
the summer to lay its eggs, and then migrating.

SOLANO. An oppressive wind, blowing from Africa into the Mediterranean;
synonymous with _sirocco_.

SOLAR DAY. Is the interval which elapses between two successive meridian
transits of the sun, and is the unit of time in common use.

SOLAR SPECTRUM. The coloured image of the sun produced by refraction
through a prism.

SOLAR SPOTS. _See_ MACULAE.

SOLAR SYSTEM. The sun, planets, and comets, which are assumed to form a
system, independent of the surrounding fixed stars.

SOLDIER. One that has enlisted to serve his government in peace or war;
receiving pay, and subject to the Mutiny Act and Articles of War.

SOLDIER-CRAB. A name for the _hermit-crab_ (which see).

SOLDIER'S WIND. One which serves either way; allowing a passage to be
made without much nautical ability.

SOLE. A common flat-fish, _Solea vulgaris_. Also, the decks of the cabin
and forecastle in some ships, respectively called the _cabin_ and
_forecastle soles_. Also, the lining of the bilge-ways, rudder, and the
like.

SOLENT SEA. The old name of the narrow strait between Hampshire and the
Isle of Wight.

SOLE OF A GUN-PORT. The lower part of it, more properly called
_port-sill_.

SOLE OF THE RUDDER. A piece of timber attached to its lower part to
render it nearly level with the false keel.

SOLLERETS. Pieces of steel which formed part of the armour for the feet.

SOLSTICES. The epochs when the sun passes through the solstitial points.

SOLSTITIAL COLURE. A great circle passing through the poles and
solstitial points.

SOLSTITIAL POINTS. The two points where the tropics meet the ecliptic,
in longitude 90 deg. and 270 deg.

SOMA. A Japan junk of burden.

SONG. The call of soundings by the leadsman in the channels. Songs are
also used to aid the men in