Ekeing

The ekeing at the lower part of the supporter under the cat-head, is only to continue the shape and fashion of that part, being of no other purpose. We make this remark, because, if the supporter were stopt short without an ekeing, it would be better, as it causes the side to rot, and it commonly appears fair to the eye in but one direction. The Ekeing is also the piece of carved work under the lower part of the quarter-piece, at the aft part of the quarter-gallery.

In ships with square sterns, the application of the diagonal system of trusses does not produce its maximum effect, nor is the continuity of the shelf-pieces preserved, since the most abrupt termination of them takes place at the quarters, a difficulty entirely removed in the circular form by the happy introduction of the ekeing, and affording a perfect illustration of the term "internal hoop," so appropriately applied to them by Sir Robert Seppings.

It has already been stated that the ekeing fills up the space between the foremost beam and the apron, and rests upon the fore end of the shelf. Consequently, as it forms a portion of the deck framing, it conforms to the sheer and round of the deck in question.