AMONGST the applications for reward from the National Shipwreck Institution, one was recently made for saving the lives of several persons who had been upset in a boat in consequence of one of their number climbing to the mast-head to reeve the halliards, the sea being smooth at the time and the wind light. One person was drowned on the occasion and others nearly so.

We notice this seemingly trivial occurrence, in order to point out the great danger, in a small boat, of attempting to climb the mast under any circumstances; and to recommend the habit generally of keeping all the weights in a boat as low down in her as possible, but especially in rough weather.

It may be thought that such an elementary principle in mechanics as the power of the lever is so universally understood that no teaching on the subject is needed; and doubtless every experienced sailor will have learned by observation the danger of climbing to the mast-head in a small boat.

But, from whatever cause it arises, whether from ignorance or carelessness, or from indolence to- avoid the trouble of unstepping the mast, we believe it is not an uncommon occurrence. We have ourselves been so upset in a boat several miles from the land, and have known other instances of a similar nature to occur.

In the instance which has called forth these remarks, a valuable life, that of the father of a family, and one of whose sons was in the boat with him at the time, was sacrificed, and beyond doubt many others have been lost in a similar manner at different times.

We would therefore strongly urge upon the attention of all persons engaged in the management of boats, that, excepting in those of large size, no one should ever be allowed to ascend the mast; and that the general habit should be acquired of sitting down rather than standing up in a boat except when the latter is absolutely necessary.