What the rites were in which, the Mysteries consisted is unknown, and it is therefore impossible to say how far they may have been organized on the model of the Mysteries of Eleusis, though it is clear that Athens took a considerable part in being the first to extend the influence of the Samothracian Mysteries. Initiation included also an asylum or refuge, if required, within the strong walls of Samothrace, for which purpose it was used among others by Arsinoli, who afterwards caused to be erected there (276-247 B.C.), to record her gratitude, a monument, the ruins of which were explored in 1874 by an Austrian archaeological expedition ( Uwtersuchungen a/if Samothrake,
by Conze, Hauser, and Niemann, Vienna, 1875).In Lemnosan annual festival was held, lasting nine days, during which all the fires in the island were extinguished and fresh fire brought from Delos. From this and from the statement of Strabo (x. 437), that the father of the Cabiri was Camillus, a son of the god Hephaestus, it has been thought that the Cabiri must have been, like the Curetes, Corybantes, and Dactyls, daemons of volcanic fire. But this is very uncertain. In Lemnos they fostered the growth of the vine and fruits of the field, and from their connection with Hermes in Samothrace, it would seem that they had also aided the fertility of cattle. Both the names and the number of the Cabiri are doubtful. On late authority they are given as Axieros, A xiokersa, and Axiokersos, with a fourth called Kadmilos or Kasmilos; but in the usual tradition they were Dardanos, Jasion, and Harmonia. Jasion, who was a favourite of the goddess Demeter, instituted the Mysteries. Harmonia married Cadmus of Thebes, whose name is to be recognized in Kadmilos, one of the Cabiri. On the other hand it has been argued that there were only two Cabiri, Dardanus and Jasion, cor responding as deities to the Greek Poseidon and Apollo, or Uranus and Gaea, i.e., sky and earth. On these points, the statements of ancient writers are not only few but generally irreconcilable with each other. On Etruscan bronze mirrors representations of what are called the Cabiri frequently occur, consisting of two youthful figures, some times with the addition of a female figure, apparently their sister; sometimes there are three brothers. This subject is dealt with in detail by Gerhard in his Etmskische Metall- Spiegel.
CABLE, a rope or chain used for connecting a ship with hep anchor. Chain cables are generally used, but on account of their weight they are unsuitable for moor ing in very deep water, when several lengths of cable would be hanging at the " hawse pipe ; " and they cannot be used, also on account of their weight, when it is required to lay an anchor out at some distance from the ship. Hempen cables are, therefore, supplied to all ships as well as chain cables. For sizes, number, and lengths of cables carried by ships of the Royal Navy and required by Lloyd s rules to be supplied to merchant ships, see article Anchor.
The length of a chain cable is 100 fathoms, and that of a hempen cable 101 fathoms. The term "a cable s length," by which the distance of vessels from each other is usually given in nautical parlance, is understood to mean 100 fathoms, or 200 yards. Cables are sometimes made of common chain, but the best and most approved are made of stud-link chain, as shown in fig. 1, which gives the rela tive proportions of the various parts. Cables are made in lengths of 12.1. fathoms, connected together by "joining shackles," as shown at D. Each length is " marked " by a piece of iron-wire being twisted round the stud of one of the links, the wire being placed on the first stud inside the first shackle, i.e., the stud nearest to the shackle on the side remote from the anchor, on the second stud inside the second shackle, and so on, so that the length of cable which is out may always Do known. For instance, if tho mark is on the sixth stud inside the first inboard shackle, it is known that six lengths, or 75 fathoms, of cable are out, measuring from that shackle. In joining the lengths together the round end of the shackle should be placed towards the anchor. The end links of each length C, C are made without studs in order to receive the shackles, and it is necessary to make them of iron of greater diameter than that used for the stud links, in order to keep them of equal strength. The stud keeps the link from collapsing, and increases its strength considerably.
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Fig. 1.—Stud-link Chain.[1]
The next links B, B in their turn have to be enlarged to enable them to take the increased size given to the links C, C. It will be observed from the sketch of the shackle D that the pin is made oval, its greater diameter being in the direction of the strain. Tin pin of the shackle which attaches the cable to the anchor, and is called the "anchor shackle" in distinction from the "joining shackles," may project and be secured by a forelock ; but as any projestion would be detrimental when the chain is running out (some times with great rapidity) through the hawse pipes, the pins of the joining shackles are made as shown, and are secured by a small pin d. This small pin is kept from coming out by being made a little short, so that a lead pellet may be driven in at either end to fill up the holes in the shackle, which are made with a groove, so that as the pellets are driven in they expand or dovetail, and thus keep the small pin secure in its place.
The cables are stowed in the chain lockers, the inner ends being firmly secured to the ship by a " slip." This is done to render it impossible for the cable to run out and be lost accidentally, the slip being provided so that the cable may be let go without difficulty if stress of weather or any other cause renders such a proceeding imperative. It is necessary to fit one or two swivels in each cable to avoid turns being taken in it as the ship swings. When a ship is moored with two anchors the cables are attached to a mooring swivel (fig. 2) ; if this is not done the cables get entwined around each other, forming what is termed a "foul hawse/ which is a troublesome thing to clear.
The cable is hove up in large vessels by a capstan, and in small ones by a windlass. It is brought directly to the capstan, the inner end passing to the deck pipe, and thence to the chain lockers ; or it is brought in by means of a messenger, which is an endless chain passing round the capstan and a roller on each side of the deck near the hawse pipes. The cable is stoppered to the messenger by rope or iron nippers, and as the messenger goes round with the capstan the cable is brought in, the nippers being shifted as required. Messengers are now almost entirely superseded by the improved make of capstans.
- ↑ The dimensions marked in the figure are those for one-inch chains and signify so many diameters of the iron of the common links, thus forming a scale for all sizes.
