IT was well remarked by an eminent and successful periodical writer, that all considerate Lords of the Soil will, for good reasons, not only continue in possession a Tenant, who holds merely at pleasure, so long as he duly performs Suit and Service, but will also allow him proportionable advantages, if, through his industry, and enquiries of skilful persons, he shall improve the premises. – A relation somewhat like this, Mr. Urban of venerable memory, always considered as subsisting between himself, and the Public. As an hitherto favoured Tenant, we therefore again come forward on concluding our second volume, with our respectful thanks; and at the same time embrace the opportunity of reviewing the contents, and progress of our Work.

Under the head of Biographical Memoirs we have rendered an essential service to our Country, by placing in a more extensive, and correct point of view, some of the first Characters of the British Navy; and also, by rendering others the object of public attention, whose exertions, though highly beneficial to the period in which they appeared, are at present by no means sufficiently remembered: our Memoirs of Lord Hood; of the late Admiral Sir Charles Knowles's services in Russia, and of the late Captain Alms, were particularly published on the above principles.