of Africa by the
shoals off the Rio Grande, Rio Nunez, and others. The coast, as well as
the embouchures of the rivers, exhibit a deposit of deep mud, and yet
far at sea banks of clean siliceous sand arise.

DEMAND. The official paper by which stores are desired for a ship, the
making out of which is the duty of the officer in whose charge the
stores will be placed: they must be approved by the captain and admiral
before being presented to the dockyard authorities. Also, whence from?
where bound?

DEMI-BASTION. In fortification, a bastion which has a flank on one side
only.

DEMI-CANNON. An ancient name for a gun carrying a ball of 33 pounds
weight, with a length of from 12 to 14 feet, and a diameter of bore of
6-1/2 inches; its point-blank range was estimated at 162 paces, and its
random one at 2000.

DEMI-CULVERIN. An ancient cannon which threw a ball of 9 pounds weight,
was about 9 feet long, and 4 inches in diameter of bore; its point-blank
range was called 174 paces, and its random one about 1800.

DEMIHAG. A long pistol, much used in the sixteenth century.

DEMILANCE. A light horseman, who carried a light lance.

DEMILUNE. In fortification, the outwork, more properly called a
_ravelin_ (which see).

DEMI-REVETMENT. In fortification, that form of retaining wall for the
face of a rampart which is only carried up as high as cover exists in
front of it, leaving above it the remaining height, in the form of an
earthen mound at its natural slope, exposed to, but invulnerable by
shot.

DEMONSTRATION-SHIPS. Those kept in a certain state of preparation for
war, though on a peace establishment.

DEMURRAGE. The compensation due to a ship-owner from a freighter for
unduly delaying his vessel in port beyond the time specified in the
charter-party or bill of lading. It is in fact an extended freight. A
ship unjustly detained, as a prize, is entitled to demurrage. Vessels
chartered to convey government stores have a term given for discharge by
government aid. If not delivered within that period, demurrage, as
stated in the document, is paid per diem for any "unavoidable delay."

DEN. A sandy tract near the sea, as at Exmouth and other places.

DEN AND STROND. A liberty for ships or vessels to run or come ashore.
Edward I. granted this privilege to the barons of the Cinque Ports.

DE NAUTICO F[OE]NORE. Of nautical usury; bottomry.

DENE. The Anglo-Saxon _daene_; implying a kind of hollow or ravine
through which