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PREFACE. In presenting the Fifth Edition of Scott's New Coast Pilot to the public, the author desires to say that the former Editions have been carefully revised and corrected, and many additions made. The publication of a New Edition of the Coast Pilot at this time is rendered necessary by the many changes that have taken place in the Aids to Navigation and the improvements made to the Rivers and Harbors within the last three years, or since the last Edition of the Coast Pilot was published. Among the many new Aids to Navigation that have been established, and changes made during the last year may be mentioned the lights established at Fourteen Mile point, Old Mackinac point, Mendota, Squaw island; the Grosse Isle ranges and Mamajuda Range light; Bal- _lard's Reef and Lime-kiln Crossing light-vessels; Ecorse and Fort Gratiot range lights; the range lights in the St. Mary's river and Super- ior bay; establishment of fog-signals at Ludington, South Fox island, Kewaunee and Buffalo Breakwater light-station; range lights at Portage lake and river; the completion of the channel through Maumee and San- dusky bays, and the aid to navigation thereat; Lake Huron and Bar Point light-vessels; the completion of the Hay Lake channel. A little map of Port Arthur and Fort William, and the Storm Signal Code, as employed at Canadian Lake Stations, with directions to mariners with reference to their use, has been introduced. A new Magnetic Chart for the year 1890, showing the lines of equal magnetic declinations (called Isogonic lines), is given. This chart shows the variation of the compass in the vicinity of the Lakes, and it is very important when we consider that all the courses taken from the charts of the Lake Survey, and the courses and bearings given in the U.S. Lighthouse and Buoy lists are true, and require to be corrected for variation before being used. 7 The Depth of Water given in the harbors are not always to be relied on, owing partly to the fluctuations of the water surface of the Lakes, but more particularly to the formation of sand bars between or in advance of the piers. The only remedy for these obstructions is the extension of the piers and annual dredging. | It is confidently believed that the "Coast Pilot" is now much improved, and will be of service to Vessel Masters as a ready reference.. Bad mistakes are frequently made, not from a want of knowledge on the subject, but from a temporary incorrectness of thought; this is fre- quently the case in applying variation, and deviation, in correcting com- pass errors. It will also be of service to those who are not gifted with retentive memories. The work is particularly recommend to the young sailor who desires to succeed in his calling, who by carefully studying the charts, and the "Coast Pilot," can acquire a. knowledge of the _ Lakes in a short time, what others have been years learning by personal observation. : : Se Sia oa AN iy Rr PES et eS aa