Among the improvements in ships carried out by the Emigration Commissioners, we should mention that they have introduced, of late years, a more suitable dietary for young children, with the making of fresh bread, two or three times a week, for the passengers. This change has been also authorized in private ships. Several new systems of ventilation have, also, been tried. In a sailing passenger ship, especially during the calms which prevail on the Line, their proper ventilation will always prove a matter of greater difficulty than is the case with a steamer, whose own motion is sufficient to create a current of air. Further experience on this point is, however, necessary, though very considerable improvements have recently been made. [Sidenote: Merchant Shipping Act discussed.] As great fault was found by the central committee of the General Shipowners’ Society with the 504th section of the Merchant Shipping Act (Part IX.), which lays down the measure of the owners’ liability, it may be desirable to state the nature of the complaints. This section of the Act provides:— [Sidenote: Extent of owners’ liability.] 1st. Where any loss of life or personal injury is caused to any person being carried in such ship: 2nd. Where any damage or loss is caused to any goods, merchandise, or other things whatsoever on board any such ship: 3rd. Where any loss of life or personal injury is, by reason of the improper navigation of such sea-going ship as aforesaid, caused to any person carried in any other ship or boat: 4th. Where any loss or damage is, by reason of any such improper navigation of such sea-going ships as aforesaid, caused by any other ship or boat, or to any goods, merchandise, or other things whatsoever on board any other ship or boat: No owner shall, in such cases where the events occur without his knowledge or privity, be answerable in damages to an extent beyond the value of his ship and the freight due, or to grow due, in respect of such ship during the voyage which, at the time of the happening of such event, as aforesaid, is in prosecution or contracted for, subject to the following proviso, that is to say: that, in no case, where any liability, as aforesaid, is incurred in respect of loss of life or personal injury to the passenger, shall the value of such ship and the freight thereof be taken to be less than 15_l._ per registered ton. [Sidenote: Unnecessary outcry of the Shipowners.] [Sidenote: Question of limited liability.]