PREFACE.

Ir was at first intended to treat the subject of this book in connection with that of the documenting of vessels of the United States; but, upon second thought, a manual upon the latter subject was given to the public separately, and was published in October last by John Bliss & Co. That work met with such a measure of success as to encourage the author to proceed with this larger subject, which is of interest to many who have no concern with the other.

As in practical sequence clearance precedes entrance, the former topic is treated first; although in popular speech it is more common to say entrance and clearance.

The word entrance is used instead of entry, because the latter, without qualifying words, is sometimes ambiguous, and might mean either the entry of the vessel by the master, or the entry of merchandise by the consignee. The latter is never called an entrance. Where a practice is stated without a citation of authority, unless it be expressly stated otherwise, the practice at the port of New York should be understood.

The sections of the Revised Statutes referred to in this work, and other sections, will be found in the Appendix.

The work is submitted to the public with confident trust that it will meet the wants of any one who has use for a book upon the subject.

NEW YORK, June, 1881.

RICHARD WYNKOOP.