There were many elements of seamanship which could not be effectively practised while the ship lay at anchor, such as heaving the log, sounding and steering, though the boys had been carefully instructed in the theory of these operations.
The instructor in mathematics, the boatswain, the carpenter, and the sailmaker, all of whom were good seamen, were in great demand as soon as the ship was under way; but when she had sea-room enough, the helm was handed over to the boys, under the charge of a juvenile quartermaster.
Peaks stood by, and gave the necessary directions, till the students were able to do the work themselves.
"Now, my lads, we will heave the log," said the boatswain, when the ship was well out from the land.
"We know how to do that," replied Smith, one of the quartermasters.
"I dare say you do, young gentlemen; but in my opinion, you can't do it.
You know how to write a psalm, but I don't believe you could write one," added Peaks.

"You have to learn how to do these things by the feeling, so that they will do themselves, so to speak.

After-guard, stand by to haul in the log-line.

Here, quartermaster, you will hold the glass, and the officer of the deck will throw the chip." "We know all about it, Mr.Peaks," repeated Smith.
"I know you do; but you can't tell within five knots how fast the ship is going," laughed the boatswain.

"Let's do it right a few times, and then you can be trusted." The quartermaster took the glass, and Gordon, then officer of the watch, the chip, which he cast into the water over the stern of the ship.
"Turn!" said he, when the stray line had run out.
Now, Smith, at this particular moment, was watching a vessel over the quarter, and he did not instantly turn the glass, as he should have done; but Peaks said nothing.
"Up!" cried the quartermaster, when the sand had all run through the glass.
Gordon stopped the reel from which the line was running out, and noted the mark.
"Seven knots," said he.
"Not right," replied the boatswain, sharply.