IN THE EAST INDIES. 115 
But there is no use in wearing anything decent, as it 
is simply ruined if it is washed, and mildewed if it is 
not. The women (Dutch) here all dress outrageously 
anyway. They wrap a very scanty piece of colored 
cotton about them, which comes down to about their 
knees, and wear a thin muslin dressing sacque and 
that is all. Bare legs, mind you; or else they wear a 
kind of Mother Hubbard effect of the thinnest gauze. 
This place has its drawbacks. For instance, there are 
no bath tubs and in order to take a bath you must 
walk to the river, disrobe entirely and jump in, but 
as the river is filthy, and there are always many 
spectators, I manage with my small hand basin and 
throw the contents out of the window, such a thing as 
a slop jar being totally unknown. When we looked or 
rather signed in the hotel register we saw the names 
of Mrs. John Phillips, Miss Phillips and Miss Martha 
Phillips, but unfortunately they were here a month 
ago. Katherina is most useful and I am so glad I 
have her. She is good company and a very nice per- 
son. None of us has had a day’s sickness, and we are 
as well as possible; I mean by possible better than we 
would be in Boston. 
Give my love to every one. We are always de- 
lighted with the letters. Thank Cousin Lizzie for 
her’s and for the dear little Christmas cards; also give 
my love to the Gays and every one. 
Most affectionately, 
Ros. 
