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Robert Gainer wrote-


> George,
> If you mean a patent log such as the Walker, it is towed for the time that
> you want to know the distance traveled. If you are thinking about the chip
> log, it is used as often as you feel the need. I have not seen a schedule
> for its use. Different ships different long splices I think.
> Robert Gainer

==================

Sorry, Robert, I should have made it clear.

I was talking about the days before the continuous-reading Walker log.

The log referred to was a triangular piece of weighted wood, on a triangular
bridle at the end of a long knotted line, which ran off a free-running
spool. The bridle kept the wood at right-angles to the ship's travel, so
that it stayed stationary in the water.Every now and then it was heaved over
the taffrail. As it pulled the line out , the knots were felt, even in the
dark, as they line slipped between a mariner's fingers, and counted for a
time of 28 or 30 seconds, determined by a sand-glass. There was usually a
quick-release gadget so it could be retrieved easily. That was why knots
were so named.

George.

   

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