DEDICATION.

TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE.

MY LORD DUKE,

Ir has often happened to me in my sea-side rambles to behold the name of some Illustrious Personage gracing a craft of very humble pretensions. Such an inscription, doubtless exalts the vessel in the eyes of its owner; for instance, the master of the William the Fourth must feel something of the conscious dignity of a Prime Minister, when he takes the helm in his hand to guide his Sovereign through his watery empire.

Sometimes the name on the stern of the vessel is a memorial of past kindness and condescension on the part of the noble Godfather or Godmother; and then, far as the wind may urge, or the waves compel the little bark, a sentiment of respect, gratitude, and attachment goes along with it. In perpetuating these feelings, a fishingboat may become a pleasure-boat to its proprietor.

In this spirit I prefix your Grace's name to this Work, the first I launch of its kind; and whether it be fated to live at sea, or to rot on shore, it will bear witness that I have the honour to be,