IN offering this little work to the public, at the earnest solicitation of several of the Captains of schooners navigating these waters, I have been actuated solely by a desire to supply a want which I have frequently heard lamented, by all those with whom I have conversed on the subject.

Fully aware of the many deficiencies and imperfections which exist in it, yet I venture on its publication, confident in its general correctness.

The materials I have derived from such authentic sources as have been within my reach, from the Admiralty Chart of Captain Owen, R.N., corrected to 1851, from surveys by the Corps of Topographical Engineers of the United States, and from information obtained from some of the oldest and most experienced Sailors on the Lake. And here let me express my warmest thanks to Captain Carr of the Maple Leaf, Captain Young of the Chief Justice,Captain W. Bate of the Schooner Water Witch, and others, who have most kindly seconded my efforts by giving me every information in their power.

I have myself visited every Port, with the exception of Sackett's Harbour and Port Ontario, and have sketched the entrances to them, taken their compass bearings, soundings, &c. &c., but from the want of the time requisite, as well as a practical knowledge in the use of surveying instruments, the charts must be looked upon only in the light of mere sketches, not drawn to any definite or particular scale.

The distances from port to port may appear great, when compared with those which have commonly been acknowledged as correct ; I have, however, carefully taken them from Captain Owen's Survey, and preferred giving them as by him laid down.

I shall consider myself most happy if my humble attempt should stimulate some abler head than mine to improve upon and complete a task, which I am well aware I have only commenced ; and it will gratify me still more, if through any effort of mine a single life is saved, or the smallest craft that navigates this noble Lake is preserved from wreck.

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