Page:A voyage to New Holland - Dampier.djvu/58

20 parts. The other set of Ropes are more in number, and are so plac'd as to keep the Ribs and Planks of the Boat from starting off. For this purpose there are holes made at certain distances through the Edge of the Keel that runs along on the inside of the Boat; through which these Ropes passing are laid along the Ribs, so as to line them, or be themselves as Ribs upon them, being made fast to them by Rattan's brought thither, or small Cords twisted close about both Ropes and Ribs, up to the Gunnal: By which means tho' several of the Nails or Pegs of the Boat should by any shock fall out, yet the Ropes of these two sets might hold her together: Especially with the help of a Rope going quite round about the Gunnal on the out-side, as our Long-boats have. And such is the Care taken to strengthen the Boats; from which girding them with Ropes, which our Seamen call Fraping, they have the Name of Frape-boats. Two Men suffice to hale her in and out, and take in the Salt from Shore (which is brought in Bags) and put it out again. As soon as the Boat is brought nigh enough to the Shore, he who stands by the Bulk-head takes instantly a turn with the Hazer about the Bulk-head-Stantion; and that stops her fast before the Sea can turn her aside: And when the two Men have got in their Lad-