in mining, cross bars of wood in the shafts which are sunk to mines.

In many places the way is to sink a perpendicular hole, or shaft, the sides of which they strengthen from top to bottom with wood-work, to prevent the earth from falling in: the transverse pieces of wood used to this purpose they call stipples, and by means of these the miners in some places descend, without using any rope, catching hold of these with their hands and feet.