Passage down the Adriatic. 13 



a dim cloud on the distant horizon. The outlines of the 

 Carinthian Alps became fainter, and the excitement of the 

 parting scene was calmed by that busy activity required from 

 every one embarking on a long voyage, if he desires to 

 attain any degree of comfort, however little, in the cramped 

 and limited space of a crowded ship. 



A perfect calm, a smooth sea, and a but-slightly-clouded 

 sky, prognosticated fair weather, and promised leisure to com- 

 plete those arrangements which had been left undone. The 

 steamer Bta. Lucia performed her task of towing the 

 two vessels most satisfactorily, and, favoured by the prevail- 

 ing currents of wind and water, we made five miles an hour, 

 and came, on the day of departure, in sight of the promon- 

 tory of Pola. 



The passage down the Adriatic was on the whole most 

 pleasant, with the exception of some showers of rain near 

 the heights of Isola Grossa; which, however, on this occasion 

 saluted us only with a slight puff of wind. The ship moved 

 so gently and quietly on her way, that those occupying the 

 lower cabins could scarcely have fancied themselves at sea, 

 had they not been made aware of it by other impressions. 



On the 1st of May, the crew became highly excited by a 

 man being missed, when the morning watch was called. Some 

 thought he had, from fear of a slight punishment hanging over 

 him, jumped overboard, but as nothing of the kind had been 

 observed by the watch on deck, every corner was searched, 

 but without success, upon which the man was given over as 



