As it is considered that the periodical exercise of the crews of life-boats is very essential, it is hoped that the several Local Committees in connexion with the National Shipwreck Institution, will pay particular attention to that part of their " Life-boat Regulations " which enjoins the same; and that even at those stations where, from any cause, it is either difficult or inexpedient to retain a permanently enrolled crew, it will not be supposed that, for that reason, there will be no use in having the boat taken out to exercise every quarter with a volunteer crew. For although the same parties may not be in her on every occasion, of either exercise or going oft' to a wreck, yet it is only by such means that that knowledge o) the character and capabilities of the boat can be obtained which will alone give confidence in her when she is required for actual service.

There may be a few places, such as Shields and Liverpool, where the life-boats are so constantly afloat in actual service, that any further exercise of them would be a work of supererogation; but they are exceptions to the general rule. Especially, however, will it be necessary at stations where life-boats of a new character are placed; since, however highly they may be theoretically approved of, a knowledge of all their qualities can only be acquired by slow degrees, and in actual service under a variety of circumstances.

It is also hoped that, on these occasions, the Secretaries to the several Local Committees will forward to the Office in London the fullest particulars of the behaviour of the boats, and of any peculiarities which may be observed in them, in order that the Committee may acquire so exact a knowledge, both of their advantages and defects, as may lead to the avoidance of the latter and establishment of the former, in the construction of future boats.