Second Rate.—­One of Her Majesty’s Yachts, and all Two-decked Ships whose war complements consist of 700 men and upwards.

Third Rate.—­Her Majesty’s other Yachts, and all such Yachts as may bear the Flag or Pendant of an Admiral or Captain Superintending one of Her Majesty’s Dock-yards; and all Ships whose complements are under 700 and not less than 600.

Fourth Rate.—­Ships whose complements are under 600 and not less than 400.

Fifth Rate.—­Ships whose complements are under 400 and not less than 250.

Sixth Rate.—­Ships under 250.

2.  Sloops and Bomb-Vessels; all such as are commanded by Commanders.

3.  All other smaller Vessels; such as are commanded by Lieutenants or inferior officers.

CHAPTER XIII.

SAILORS’ PETS.

A dog is the most obvious and natural pet for a gentleman; but still, a dog, with all his familiarity, is a selfish sort of companion, for he generally bestows his whole sociability either upon his master, or his master’s servant who feeds him, or upon his master’s friend who accompanies him to the fields.  To all others he is not only cold, but often surly and impertinent.  This, indeed, would matter little, if there were not unfortunately a proverb extant, which has led perhaps to more squabbles, duels, and other uncharitableness, than most other causes of dispute.  This pugnacious proverb, “Love me, love my dog,” being interpreted, signifies, “If you kick my dog, I kick you.”  Then follows, if not the kick, words which hurt honour quite as much, and in the end too often draw away the life-blood of warriors who, but for some mangy cur, might have fought themselves into companionship in public usefulness and fame with “Duncan, Howe, or Jarvis.”

No dog, therefore, can ever become a very general favourite of the crew; for it is so completely his nature to be exclusive in his regards, that were a whole pack of hounds on board, they would not be enough, nor afford a tenth part of the amusement which a single monkey serves out to a ship’s company.  I take good care, accordingly, never to be without one in any ship I command, on the sheer principle of keeping the men employed, in a good humoured way, when they chance to have no specific duty to attend to.  It must be recollected that we are often exposed to long periods of inaction, during which mischief is very apt to be brewed amongst the people.

But if a good monkey be allowed to run about the ship, I defy any one to continue long in a bad humour.  Jacko is an overmatch for the demon of idleness, at least if light hearts and innocent diversions be weapons against which he cannot long contend.  Be this as it may, I make a rule of entering a monkey as speedily as possible after hoisting my pendant; and if a reform takes place in the table of ratings, I would recommend a corner for the “ship’s monkey,” which should be borne on the books for “full allowance of victuals,” excepting only the grog; for I have observed that a small quantity of tipple very soon upsets him; and although there are few things in nature more ridiculous than a monkey half-seas over, yet the reasons against permitting such pranks are obvious and numerous.