'298 UOMEWARD BOUND 



to windward wlicii we tlioiiglit of Barbados, and of the kind 

 people wlio were ready to welcome us into that prosperous 

 and civilized little cane-garden, which deserves and has 

 deserved for now two hundred years, far more than poor old 

 Ireland the name of " The Emerald Gem of the Western 

 World." 



But it could not be. A few hours at Grenada, and a few 

 hours at St. Lucia, were all the stoppages possible to us. The 

 steamer only passes once a fortnight, and it is necessary to 

 spend that time on each island which is visited, unless the 

 traveller commits himself which he cannot well do if he 

 has a lady with him to the chances and changes of coasting 

 schooners. More frequent and easy intercommunication is 

 needed throughout the Antilles. The good people, whether 

 white or coloured, need to see more of each other, and more 

 of visitors from home. Whether a small weeklv steamer 

 between the islands would pay in money I know not. That 

 it would pay morally and socially, I am sure. Perhaps, when 

 the telegraph is laid down along the isla.nds, the need of more 

 steamers will be felt and supplied. 



Very pleasant was the run up to St Thomas's, not merely 

 on account of the scenerv, but because w^e had once more 

 contrary to our expectation the most agreeable of captains. 

 His French cultivation he had been brought up in Provence 

 joined to brilliant natural talents, had made him as good a 



