In blacking the rigging, the first precaution that should be taken by the boatswain, is to cover with old canvass, or old hammocks, the lower mast-heads, and particularly the caps. The blacking should be put on hot. Thin tar, with a certain portion of lamp[b]lack, hot salt-water, whiskey, and a little litharge mixed together, make an admirable mixture for blacking the rigging.
It is not recommended to blacken the royal and topgallant rigging aloft; this rigging may be previously blackened and triced up to dry.
Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius.
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Copyright © 1997 Lars Bruzelius.