HOG

This instrument is formed by inclosing a multitude of short twigs of birch, or such wood, between two pieces of plank, which are firmly attached to each other, after which the ends of the twigs or branches are cut off even, so as to form a sort of brush of considerable strength. To this machine is fitted a long staff, together with two ropes, the former of which is used to thrust the hog under the ship's bottom, and the latter to guide, and pull it up again close to the planks thereof, so as to rub off all the filth effectually. This exercise is usually performed in the ship's boat, which is accordingly confined as close as possible to the vessel's side during the operation, and shifted from one part of the side to another, till the whole is completed.

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