ch slide out on the extremities of the lower and
top-sail yards, and their heads or yards are hoisted up to the top-sail
and top-gallant yard-arms.

STUDDING-SAIL YARD. The spar to which the head of the studding-sail is
extended.

STUFF. A _coat of stuff_, a term used for any composition laid on to
ships' spars, bottom, &c. Also, square timber of different thicknesses.

STUFFING-BOX. A contrivance on the top of a steam cylinder-cover, packed
with hemp, and kept well soaked with tallow, to prevent steam from
passing through while the piston-rod is working.

STUMP. A derogatory but well-known name in navigating our eastern coasts
for the beautiful tower of Boston church. (_See_ SNAGS.)

STUMP TOPGALLANT-MASTS. Those without a royal pole.

STUN-SAILS. A corruption of _studding-sails_ (which see).

STURGEON. _Acipenser sturio_, a large fish; it has a cartilaginous
skeleton, with a small circular and tubular mouth. It is found in the
European seas and larger rivers. The roes are made into _caviare_, and
the sounds and muscular parts into isinglass. It is a royal fish in
England.

STURRE-MANNE. An old name for a sea-captain.

SUBALTERNS. All commissioned army officers ranking below captains.

SUB-LIEUTENANT. A rank lately reproduced, to which a midshipman is
entitled on passing for lieutenant; formerly styled mate.

SUBMARINE BANK. An extensive sandy plateau with deep water over it.

SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH. Consists of a steel wire-rope, containing a heart
of gutta-percha and other soft materials, in which are inclosed the
copper wires through which the communication by electricity is conveyed.
Rapid progress has been made in the art of making and handling this
rope, as is proved by the existence of two cables between Ireland and
America, one of which was recovered from the deep sea by creeping.

SUBMARINE THERMOMETER. An instrument for trying the temperature of the
sea at different depths. It consists of a hollow weighted cylinder in
which a Six's thermometer is placed; the cylinder being provided with a
valve at each end, opening upwards, so that as it sinks the valves open,
allowing a free course of water through the cylinder: when it reaches
the required depth the line is checked and the valves close; it is then
hauled gently in, and the thermometer reaches the surface surrounded by
water of the required depth, indicating its temperature.

SUBSIDY. A stipulated sum of money paid by one ruler to another, in
pu