Channels

The broad projection or assemblage of planks fayed and bolted to the ship's sides for the purpose of spreading the shrouds with a greater angle to the dead-eyes. They should therefore be placed either above or below the upper deck ports, as may be most convenient. But it is to be observed that, if placed too high, they strain the sides too much; and if placed too low the shrouds cannot be made to clear the ports without difficulty. Their disposition will therefore depend on that particular which will produce the greatest advantage. They should fay to the sides only where the bolts come through, having an open space of about two inches in the rest of their length to admit a free current of air and a passage for wet and dirt, in order to prevent the sides from rotting.