Francis Liardet: Professional Recollections on Points of Seamanship, Discipline, &c., 1849.

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Sister blocks.

With these blocks as at present fitted in the navy, the topsail-lifts and reef-tackles, excepting the yards are square, never lead fair; under all other circumstances they are continually chafing across the shell of the block, and from the constant bousing up of the weather topsail-lifts, this rope becomes magged, and the yarns frequently burst under the service from the strain, and shortness of the nip. This proves that too much attention cannot be given to the condition of the topsail-lifts; they should be frequently overhauled, and the nip changed occasionally, as the men on the yards are dependent on their security. By this mode of having the sister blocks, you wear out the shrouds to which they are attached much sooner, from the continual jerking of the topsail lifts. This plan admits of much improvement. If it could be managed, it would be a great saving of rope, besides the continued splicing and repairing of these ropes. I have given this subject much consideration, and think it might be materially improved.

Francis Liardet: Professional Recollections on Points of Seamanship, Discipline, &c.
William Woodward, Portsea, 1849. 8vo, frontisp., (6), x, 319 pp, 1 col. plate of signals.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius

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