viii PREFACE, 



to summarize his experiences so that they may be read 

 without weariness, and, it is hoped, with profit. 



The manifold shortcomings of the work will not, it is 

 trusted, be laid to the account of the subject, than which 

 none more interesting could well be imagined, but to the 

 limitations of the writer, whose long experience of sea 

 life has done little to foster the literary faculty. 



One claim may be made with perfect confidence — 

 that if the manner be not all that could be wished, 

 the matter is entirely trustworthy, being compiled from 

 actual observation and experience, and in no case at 

 second-hand. An endeavour has also been made to 

 exclude such matter as is easily obtainable elsewhere 

 — matters of common knowledge and *' padding " of 

 any sort — the object not being simply the making of 

 a book, but the record of little-known facts. 



Great care has been taken to use no names either of 

 ships or persons, which could, by being identified, give 

 annoyance or pain to any one, as in many cases strong 

 language has been necessary for the expression of 

 opinions. 



Finally, the author hopes that, although in no sense 

 exclusively a book for boys, the coming generation 

 may find this volume readable and interesting; and 

 with that desire he offers it confidently, though in all 

 humility, to that great impartial jury, the public. 



F. T. B. 



DUI.WICH, July, 1897. 



