1852.] VISIT THE PIONEER. 191 



side the 'Pioneer:' every precaution had been adopted 

 to prevent my wetting my feet ; temperature, 36. 



Rather pantomimic the change ! Stepping on her 

 decks I was metamorphosed, in less time than Harlequin's 

 wand could effect it, into nay proper self, received and 

 returned the salutes, inspected the men, and sent them 

 below. Still adhering to my proper character, I in- 

 spected their preparations for their Christmas dinners, 

 fancy decorations, etc., all of which were marked by 

 neatness and extreme comfort, the entire midship divi- 

 sion of the vessel being, in winter, appropriated to the 

 crew, more capacious and higher in comparison than the 

 ' Assistance.' I had here an opportunity of witnessing 

 the superiority of Arnott's stove over the Sylvester, with 

 less expenditure of fuel. 



On the presentation of wine by the leading petty offi- 

 cer, I addressed a few words to them, expressive of my 

 satisfaction, and reminding them that the roast beef then 

 smoking before them was "Her Majesty's own," request- 

 ed that due honour should be accorded to the health of 

 " Her Most Gracious Majesty Victoria, God bless her ! 

 and all the Royal Family." This over, I gave the health 

 of " The ' Pioneers,' and may their enjoyment never be 

 less than this Christmas !" 



I now returned, to preside, at noon, over the opening 

 festival of my own crew. Here too I found all the luxu- 

 ries, not forgetting roast beef and plum-puddings. The 

 arrangements were all perfect, and in good taste, and 

 our trusty crew were prepared to do justice to their 

 fare, and enjoy themselves. I felt differently here : why, 

 I know not. I felt it a more solemn act. These were 

 my own immediate crew, and I felt a deep interest in 



