To the Queen.

MADAM,

This book is dedicated to Your Majesty with therespectful admiration of one who is proud to have beenassociated with an effort to make the world more hopeful andbeautiful for men who not long ago knew little hope and feltno beauty.

In the wild weather, when the struggle for life never slackensfrom hour to hour on the trawling grounds, the great work ofthe Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, like some mighty Pharos,sheds light on the troubled darkness, and brave men, inhundreds, are thankful for its wise care and steadyhelpfulness.

Perhaps, of all the tribe of writers, I know most minutely thescope and significance of that Mission--"as well for the bodyas the soul"--of which Your Majesty is the Patron; and it ismy earnest conviction that no event in your brilliant andbeneficent reign could well be appraised at a higher value thanthe despatch of Hospital Cruisers to the smacksmen, which yourgracious and practical sympathy has done so much to bringabout.

Permit me to subscribe myself,
MADAM,
Your Majesty's most humble,
obedient Servant,
JAMES RUNCIMAN.

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES,
May 1, 1889.