BARK, in navigation, a general name given to small ships; it is however peculiarly appropriated by seamen to those which carry three masts without a mizen topsail. Our northern mariners, who are trained in the coal-trade, apply this distinction to a broad-sterned ship which carries no ornamental figure on the stern or prow.
Water-Barks, are little vessels used in Holland for the carriage of fresh water to places where it is wanting, as well as for the fetching sea-water to make salt of. They have a deck, and are filled with water up to the deck.
Bark-Binding, a distemper incident to trees; cured by slitting the bark, or cutting along the grain.
Bark-Galling, is when the trees are galled with thorns, &c. It is cured by binding clay on the galled places.
Bark-Longue, or Barca Longa, a small low sharp-built, but very long, vessel without a deck. It goes with sails and oars, and is very common in Spain.