in the
quickest space of time.

VELOCITY OF TIDE OR CURRENT, depends on several circumstances. First,
the tide varies with the state of the moon, running strongest at the
springs, and the force of the ebb is much increased by rains, land
freshes, &c. The currents also vary, especially when wind and tide
combine to accelerate their action.

VENDAVAL [Sp. south wind, _tiempo di vendavales_]. A stormy time on the
coast of Mexico, in the autumn, with violent thunder, lightning, and
rain.

VENDUE MASTER. A commercial and marine auctioneer.

VENE-SEANDES. The old commercial term for Venetian sequins.

VENT. In artillery, the small aperture near the breech by which the fire
of the priming is communicated to the charge.

VENT-BIT. A peculiar augur or screw gimlet used for clearing the vent of
a gun when obstructed.

VENT-FIELD OF A GUN. The raised tablet in the metal near the breech in
which the vent is bored.

VENTILATOR. The name of various machines contrived to expel the foul air
from the store-rooms and hold, and introduce fresh in its stead.

VENT-PIECE. The movable fitment which closes the breech and contains the
vent in Armstrong breech-loading guns.

VENT-PLUG. A fid or stopple made of leather or oakum fitting in the vent
of a piece to stop it against weather, &c.

VENTRAL FIN. The posterior pair of fins under the body of fishes,
corresponding to the hind legs of terrestrial quadrupeds.

VENUS. One of the inferior planets, and the second in order of distance
from the sun. (_See_ TRANSIT OF VENUS.)

VERIFICATION OF SHIP'S PAPERS. In this necessary process it is declared
that papers of themselves prove nothing, and require to be supported by
the oaths of persons in a situation to give them validity.

VERITAS. A register of shipping established in Paris, on the principle
of Lloyd's List.

VERNAL EQUINOX. The point where the sun crosses the equator, going
north. It is opposite the place of the autumnal equinox. (_See_
EQUINOXES.)

VERNIER, OR NONIUS. A graduated scale for the measurement of minute
divisions, especially on the arcs of astronomical instruments, sextants,
&c. The thousandth part of a degree can be taken by the naked eye; the
ten thousandth by a microscope.

VERSED SINE. In geometry, is the part of the radius intercepted between
the arc and its sine.

VERTEX. The zenith, the point overhead; the apex of a conical mountain.

VERTICAL ANGLES. Opposite angles made by two lines cutting or c