206 SPORTING ADVENTURES 



his comparatively small but certain wage. At 

 Nanaimo there are some extensive coal-mines, 

 which promise a good return to the fortunate 

 proprietors ; the coal is cheap and good, but 

 burns quickly, and makes a terrible smoke. 



Doubtless the completion of the railway pro- 

 jected across the continent of North America, 

 to connect Canada with British Columbia, will 

 infuse new life into Vancouver's Island, but at 

 present there seems to be little probability of 

 its fulfilment. Towards the latter end of October 

 we received orders from the admiral to proceed 

 with all despatch to Panama, to meet some 

 supernumeraries who were expected there. It 

 was with much regret that we bade adieu to 

 our friends in Victoria, for from the popular 

 governor, Mr. Trutch, as well as from those of 

 a less exalted position, we had experienced 

 much kindness and hospitality during our stay 

 of four months in the colony ; but so it is 

 always in a sailor's life; one makes friends at 

 every port, only to part, and seek for new ones 

 elsewhere. 



