say with the over-worked Luther, that their highest earthly enjoyment is to find themselves "in angello cum libello"-in a corner with a book-I shall not need to make any apology in providing an appropriate volume for their retirement; one for consultation upon the immediate question of emergency, and which contains besides, some brief disquisition on the points raised, together, in some places, with a little collateral information. Those who have neither the time nor inclination to do more than ascertain their position under momentary difficulty or impending danger, can pass over the preliminary matter, and they will find in each section a summary, or net outcome, of what has been considered; and suggestions, if they may not be called instructions, as to the course which, under the circumstances, is better pursued.

I would mention that before I had completed my task, or rather the loving labour I set before myself, I was made acquainted with three works having a cognate object with my own. I had heard the name of one of them only, and had seen none. The first is a volume published some forty years ago in Liverpool, by Mr. C. Lorimer, entitled "Letters to a Young Master Mariner." It is slight, and somewhat general in execution; but it is useful, and written in a very kindly spirit. The second is a much larger work, "Dana's Seaman's Guide," edited by Mr. Lees. This enters very fully into

practical seamanship: whilst the third, written by a solicitor, and named "Oliver's Practical Manual of Shipping Law," gives condensed and valuable summaries of the legal aspect of various positions in which a shipmaster may be placed. The two last-named works save me the labour of going more deeply into the subjects of navigation and of law than I have thought it necessary to do. I mention these useful books with pleasure, and recommend them with confidence. It will not displease me if a certain similarity should be found between the work of myself and my fellow-labourers in the same field. It ought to be so among those who are driving their separate ploughshares in parallel furrows. Besides, my main object in undertaking this little book is to be useful; and my desire is not so much to write new things as true things such as may be of service to the class for which they are intended.

HEY that "go down to the sea in ships" expose themselves on the deep to a class

of casualties and perils from which the landsman is exempt. The elements are rough school-fellows; but familiarity with their power and moods nourishes in the mariner the valuable qualities of courage, vigilance, and endurance. Το those, however, who occupy their business in great waters, there are, besides the physical risks associated with the ocean, dangers and difficulties of a different order, which form a landward source of perplexity to the navigator. There are troubles in port as well as at sea; monetary embarrassments, legal situations, opposed interests, conflicting authorities. To avoid, to overcome, or to extricate himself from this kind of difficulty requires in the

Perils and preparation.

master-mariner firmness, sagacity, and a certain preparation-the result of previous thought and teaching.

manner.

What is proposed in the present small volume concerns this latter class of " sea-perils." The science and peculiar duties of the navigator have to be acquired elsewhere, and his knowledge is to be added to by each day's practical experience. That which is offered here is directions and suggestions for guidance under the difficulties which the master-mariner has occasionally to encounter in port; instructions conveyed in a clear and simple To younger men in command of ships such a vade mecum is peculiarly required; and it is now attempted by a landsman, who for a larger number of years than he chooses to acknowledge has had these difficulties and their arrangement constantly before him and he would think it a fair consummation of his professional life, if he can offer a useful contribution of this kind towards the safety and benefit of a class of men whose peculiar trials have, as yet, scarcely met with sufficient sympathy. Far from perfect his endeavour must remain; but the writer will count it an honour if his book takes its place among guides having the common humane object of removing difficulties from the shipmaster's path

:

"That future pilgrims of the wave may be

I will suppose that you do not weigh anchor for half an hour. Everything is prepared; and the short interval ere you commence your voyage may be profitably employed if, as we pace the deck together before parting, we talk over the position, duties, and difficulties of a shipmaster.

duties.

To receive the command of a merchant vessel is Office and its to accept an honorable but responsible office. The offer of such a command, at least, shows that an owner reposes confidence in you, thinks well of your integrity, as well as of your fitness from previous education. It has been said that duties always go with dignities; and Englishmen do not, in general, seek to avoid the former when they accept an honorable post. You are now entrusted with a very costly object-a ship. It has cost hundreds, or, it may be, thousands of pounds. You are put in trust also with the cargo, which is often still more valuable than the vessel containing it. You are besides entrusted with the lives of those who sail with you, crew and passengers. You have, consequently, on your shoulders enough to make you thoughtful and often anxious, "a wiser" though not necessarily "a sadder man ; for there is a cheerful power in sea-air, much missed by dwellers in streets and cities; and when you arrive after a safe and successful voyage you are pretty sure of a hearty, pleasant welcome.

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There has always been a little difficulty about Proper name.