might very well give him a fresh start in London. They need not be
parted a whole year, he thought. He sent her a very long letter, and
also such extracts from his sea journal as he thought might please her.
After dinner they inspected the town, and what struck them most was to
find the streets paved with flag-stones, and most of the carts drawn by
bullocks on sledges. A man every now and then would run forward and drop
a greasy cloth in front of the sledge, to lubricate the way.

Next day, after breakfast, they ordered horses; these on inspection,
proved to be of excellent breed, either from Australia or America--very
rough shod, for the stony roads. Started for the Grand Canal--peeped
down that mighty chasm, which has the appearance of an immense mass
having been blown out of the centre of the mountain.

They lunched under the great dragon tree near its brink, then rode back
admiring the bold mountain scenery. Next morning at dawn, rode on horses
up the hill to the convent. Admired the beautiful gardens on the way.
Remained a short time; then came down in hand-sleighs--little baskets
slung on sledges, guided by two natives; these sledges run down the
hill with surprising rapidity, and the men guide them round corners by
sticking out a foot to port or starboard.

Embarked at 11.30 A.M.

At 1.30, the men having dined, the ship was got under way for the Cape
of Good Hope, and all sail made for a southerly course, to get into the
north-east trades.

The weather was now balmy and delightful, and so genial that everybody
lived on deck, and could hardly be got to turn in to their cabins, even