FILTHY HABITS OF EMIGRANTS.

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who feel interested in the subject, may obtain them from the office in Park-street, Westminster, by addressing S. Walcott, Esq., the diligent and untiring Secretary to the Emigration Board.

The filthy habits of the emigrants, unless it had practically come under the notice of the writer, he could not have credited. Disease of every kind, and the most virulent form of fever, must inevitably be the result of such a disregard of cleanliness as would be manifested by the passengers in emigrant ships, if left to themselves. It is not only the physical welfare of those under his charge, that the surgeon has to look to, but actually to inspect personally, and enforce cleanliness, where decency and selfrespect ought to suggest the necessity of its exercise. In the tropics an opportunity is given to those who feel disposed, to bathe every morning, when the decks are washed down. It is advisable to encourage as many as possible to make use of the bath, invigorating and giving energy and tone both to the mind and body. So subtle and

C

intimate is the connexion between the corporeal and mental being of man, that the one cannot be affected without the other. So responsive in sympathy, yet so different in essence, are the material and immaterial. In about ten days or so, we were enabled to make a 66 speculum gregis" of our emigrants, in order that we might, after examination, classify them, according to their attainments, in our schoolroom. About twenty adults learned to read and write, while several improved themselves in elementary knowledge.

Considering the novelty of the circumstances in which they were placed, they manifested no inclination to quarrel and riot. Any outburst of temper was immediately checked. In general character they were creditable enough. But it must be borne in mind that there was no trial of their faith, as there was an absence of any opportunity of temptation. So narrowly watched, with every circumstance tending to make a fall removed from them, it was not until they landed that the true or habi

CHARACTER OF EMIGRANNTS.

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tual disposition of the emigrant unfolded itself. But even this brief interval of four months of moral discipline and restraint of bad habits is so much gained; it is a reformatory means, which may lead to permanent results.

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MADEIRA.

CHAPTER III.

MADEIRA--THE SHIP-THE PROVISIONS--THE BOOKS PUT ON BOARD-FOOLISH ADVICE THEY CONTAIN-THE STORM -SHIPPING A SEA-THE WATER SPOUT-THE FLYING FISH-BIRDS-THE MAN FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA-THE ENQUIRY OF THE EMIGRANTS ABOUT THE NEW COUNTRY -MOST MINUTE AS TO THE RATE OF WAGES.

AFTER fourteen days we found ourselves off the island of Madeira, the soft and balmy air of which, and its mild equable temperature, are the last remedies which skill can suggest to protract, although they cannot restore, the life of those who are smitten with consumption. We could not, while gazing upon it, but recall the hectic tints upon the pale marble cheek of some interesting youth or maiden, fondly tended and taken here to save the existence so dear to mourning friends. Alas! how melancholy the spectacle to behold the young heart, so full of hope, and in all the warmth of life's dawn, consumed by its

own intensity-the lamp burning brightest when it is soonest to be extinguished. 'Tis sad to see the opening flower droop ere it matures! And how often in the world does that which is beautiful perish in its loveliness! The destroyer adorns the victim, that the sacrifice may be more costly.

We had by this time, with the exception of Mrs. D., become first rate sailors, fairly on our sea legs; our schools regularly attended, and in active and effective operation; and the library books lent and distributed among our people. Some advice given to the emigrants is not of the fittest. For instance, they are recommended to climb the rigging and to ask all manner of questions from the sailors. This is most objectionable on two grounds; the first, that it might lead to an accident, and the second, that it interferes with the sailors when at work, which is displeasing to the Captain and officers. And again, the less intimacy existing between the crew and emigrants, the better for the order and discipline of the ship. The provisions placed on board were of excellent