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*[[ ntrobuctiotr We believe that our patrons will find we have fulfilled our expectation of publishing in this work a Marine Business Directory of the United States, which will be as necessary to concerns having to do with marine interests as is a local city directory. The information for coast and river interests will be found to equal that for the lakes, excepting in the matter of statistics of shipping. The patronage given the 1897 edition showed that there was a demand for such a work, and the addition of information of all steam vessels in the United States, and sea-going sail vessels ought to double this patronage. There is no book of the kind published to cover all the interests of the country, and none that approaches it in value is published anywhere. Advertisers have to employ four publications to reach the trade covered by this book. There are two distinct values to the book. The first is the value to all engaged in or in touch with the business. In this connection are given particulars of vessels and names and addresses of owners, particulars of dry docks, statistics, etc. This value gives it circulation. The other value lies in the bringing of buyers and purchasers together. This is done by the lists of owners of fleets, ship and engine builders, names and addresses of captains and engineers, etc., which can be used for circularizing, and the classified and port directories for reference. This affords patronage. There is a strong sentiment in the United States for the building up of the American Merchant Marine. A book showing the value of the present marine; the possible business to be had will certainly do no harm in this direction. In commenting on the J897 edition, London Engineering said it was to American shipping what Lloyd's Register was to British shipping. It is the intention to revise and add to the publication each year, giving all information that will be valuable to any considerable number engaged or interested in maritime affairs in the United States. We will be pleased to furnish additional information to patrons at any time. MARINE REVIEW. 409 PERRY-PAYNE BLDG. CLEVELAND. OHIO.