CRAB
Just for the record your assertion that
'To spoil the ship for a ha'peth of tar' is an old naval expression is far from the truth. The saying is in fact an old farming expression and is derived from the words TO SPOIL THE SHEEP FOR A HA'PETH OF TAR'.
Tar was the only affordable medication for treating maggot infestation prior to the development of vetinary pharmeceuticals.
G.
