Number of Points

• Thirty-two arrows were marked on a compass rose in varying colors.
  
  

The Winds

• The eight most prominent markings on the rose corresponded to the direction the eight winds arose from.
  
  

Half-Winds

• An additional eight, less prominent markings ran half-way between each of the winds. These were known as the half-winds.
  
  

Quarter Winds

• The sixteen least prominent markings bisected the winds and half-winds and were referred to as the quarter winds.
  
  

Boxing the Compass

• Sailors were expected to be able to name each of the winds. This task was called boxing the compass.