CAST-AWAYS. People belonging to vessels stranded by stress of weather. Men who have hidden themselves, or are purposely left behind, when their vessel quits port.
CAST-KNEES. Those hanging knees which compass or arch over the angle of a man-of-war's ports, rider, &c.
CASTLE. A place strong by art or nature, or by both. A sort of little citadel. (_See_ FORECASTLE, AFT-CASTLE, &c.)
CASTLE-WRIGHTS. Particular artificers employed in the erection of the early ship's castles.
CAST OF THE LEAD. The act of heaving the lead into the sea to ascertain what depth of water there is. (_See also_ HEAVE THE LEAD and SOUNDING.) The result is a cast--"Get a cast of the lead."
CASTOR. α Gemini, a well-known nautical star in the zodiac, which has proved to be a double star.
CASTOR AND POLLUX. Fiery balls which appear at the mast-heads, yard-arms, or sticking to the rigging of vessels in a gale at sea. (_See_ COMPASANT and CORPOSANT.)
CASTRAMETATION. The art of planning camps, and selecting an appropriate position, in which the main requirement is that the troops of all arms should be so planted in camp as immediately to cover their proper positions in the line of battle.
CASUALTIES. In a military sense, comprehends all men who die, are wounded, desert, or are discharged as unfit for service.
CAT. A ship formed on the Norwegian model, and usually employed in the coal and timber trade. These vessels are generally built remarkably strong, and may carry six hundred tons; or in the language of their own mariners, from 20 to 30 keels of coals. A cat is distinguished by a narrow stern, projecting quarters, a deep waist, and no ornamental figure on the prow.
CATAMARAN. A sort of raft used in the East Indies, Brazils, and elsewhere: those of the island of Ceylon, like those of Madras and other parts of that coast, are formed of three logs; the timber preferred for their construction is the _Dúp_ wood, or _Cherne-Maram_, the pine varnish-tree. Their length is from 20 to 25 feet, and breadth 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 feet, secured together by means of three spreaders and cross lashings, through small holes; the centre log is much the largest, with a curved surface at the fore-end, which tends and finishes upwards to a point. The side logs are very similar in form, and fitted to the centre log. These floats are navigated with great skill by one or two men, in a kneeling position; they think nothing of passing through the surf which lashes the beach at Madras and at other parts of these coasts, when even the boats of the country could not live upon the waves; they are also propelled out to the shipping at anchor when boats of the best construction and form would be swamped. In the monsoons, when a sail can be got on them, a small out-rigger is placed at the end of two poles, as a balance, with a bamboo mast and yard, and a mat or cotton-cloth sail, all three parts of which are connected; and when the tack and sheet of the sail are let go, it all falls fore and aft alongside, and being light, is easily managed. In carrying a press of sail, they are trimmed by the balance-lever, by going out on the poles so as to keep the log on the surface of the water, and not impede its velocity, which, in a strong wind, is very great.