THE NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has decided to supply Owners or Masters of Fishing Vessels with an Aneroid Baro- meter of a superior and reliable character, at a small cost, which must make this useful instrument a welcome addition to every decked fishing-boat's equipment.

The value of the weather warnings of an aneroid or a mercurial barometer can- not be disputed. Mr. BIRKBECK, M.P., in suggesting that the Institution might take this step, stated that it had come to his knowledge that during the fearful gales of last winter, when so many fishing vessels were lost, those of them which had aneroids on board were, by observing OYAL NATIONAL BOAT INSTITUTION previously their indications, saved from peril, while many which did not possess them were lost, involving the loss of scores of valuable lives.

It is more than twenty years since the Institution undertook to supply barometers to its Life-boat Stations, and also to some other places. The result has been most encouraging in every way. 1st. The coast population of those places have numerously watched the indications of the barometers, with the aid of the daily registered chart usually attached to them; and 2ndly, they have come to the determination at most places to be guided in their business movements by the indications of the barometers.

By means of those barometers and their A timely warnings, it is certain that the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION must have indirectly contributed to the saving of the lives of a large number of fishermen.

It will thus be seen what beneficial re- sults are likely to accrue to life and pro- perty if this fresh important step of the Institution is appreciated and encouraged by the owners of fishing vessels.

At present it is notorious that the masters of our small fishing craft hardly ever think of carrying with them an ane- roid, and thus, when in mid-ocean, they are without the most hopeful means of forecasting the disasters which too often overtake them when gales of wind suddenly spring up.

It may be mentioned that the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has spared no effort to obtain a good instrument, and one that will not easily get out of order on board fishing smacks, or that would require repairing at frequent intervals.

In short, if taken ordinary care, of, one of these aneroids may confidently be ex- pected to do its work for many years.

The foregoing is the illustration of the fisherman's aneroid barometer in question.

Its dial or face, which is enamelled, is five inches in diameter, being half an inch larger than the ordinary full-sized aneroid, and the case is bronzed, to prevent corrosion.

In calling public attention to the fisherman's aneroid, the following address on the subject has been issued by the Institution, and is found at most of its Life-boat Stations and at some other places on the coast:— " The attention of the NATIONAL LIFE- BOAT INSTITUTION has been called to the great use an aneroid barometer would be to fishing boats, for indicating the ap- proach of bad weather. It is a matter of experience that notice of a coming gale is often given by an aneroid—as it is by an ordinary mercurial barometer—some hours before the storm is actually felt. It seems reasonable, then, to hope that with such an instrument placed in the hands of in- telligent fishermen, such men might be prevented from putting to sea when a gale is imminent, or be enabled to decide when it is prudent to ran for a port; and thus some mitigation in the loss of life on board fishing vessels, through their being over- taken by gales of wind, might be looked for. Certainly fishermen, in common with other seafaring men, would be benefited by its use, and probably be able to avoid some of the dangers so often at present proving disastrous to them.

" The Committee of the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION having, under these circumstances, obtained the co- operation of some of the most experienced makers, are now in a position to offer to the owners or masters of fishing vessels such an instrument at a great reduction on the cost of it to the Institution.* The aneroids will be made by Messrs. Negretti and Zambra and Messrs. Dollond and Co., of London, and each one, before it is sent to the coast, will be thoroughly tested and made reliable.

" As the sole object of the Institution in this matter is to benefit fishermen, the aneroids can only be supplied to owners or masters of fishing vessels, and applica- cations for them to the Institution will be received through the Honorary Secretaries of the Branches of the NATIONAL LIFE- BOAT INSTITUTION on various parts of the coast." * Eleven shillings and sixpence each Aneroid..