Note 73 — CHAP. II.

Instead of leaving this to the management of the men themselves, it might be done with greater advantage to them by instituting short allowance in the following manner:—Let a certain proportion, suppose one third, of the salt provisions, bread, and pease, particularly the first, be stopped, and let the amount of this, for the whole crew be thrown into one estimate. Let the agent victualler pay into the purser’s hands the value of these provisions in money, at the contract price, with such a discount as will allow for the use of the money. Let the purser, in return, give him a receipt, as if for so much provisions checked. This money, being distributed in the name of short allowance, will enable the men to purchase vegetables, and the provisions will be saved for a time of want, or for a cruise.