OR SAILORS' MAGAZINE, AND MARITIME MISCELLANY. MDCCCXXXVIII. EXHIBITING A RECORD OF THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE LONDON. PUBLISHED BY T. WARD AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. PREFACE. WITHOUT hazarding any opinion on the merits of the volume now completed, we may yet affirm that the great design of the periodical,—the diffusion of correct knowledge on the actual state and circumstances of our marine population, and on the progress of those benevolent and enlightened efforts which are now being put forth on their behalf, has never been concealed. If matter of a more general character, and affecting other and remoter points has been introduced, it has been to give additional interest and effect to the other: just as an artist throws certain inferior objects on the back ground of his canvas, that the principal object may stand out with still greater prominence and relief. Information in reference to the condition and claims of our seamen is still needed; and therefore instead of relaxing from our efforts, we purpose, not only to continue our publication, but to enlarge, and (if possible) improve it; introduce a still greater |