40 LONG SEA VOYAGES FOR HEALTH. 



except of course in those cases where it is contra- 

 indicated. Now from Europe to the Cape of Good 

 Hope and to Australia, are both good examples of 

 health-giving voyages the first takes about 17 days, 

 and the latter about 46 to 48 days, via the Suez Canal. 

 Both may be regarded as generally fine weather trips. 

 Any stormy time is usually confined to the British 

 Channel and the Bay of Biscay ; but after about three 

 days out, when that is safely passed, as a rule the 

 most perfect weather is enjoyed for the rest of the voyage. 



Those who like bracing climates and do not mind 

 cold winds, will perhaps prefer the route to Australia 

 via the Cape ; but the winds of the great Southern 

 Ocean are mostly very chilly and penetrating, and 

 plenty of warm clothing is necessary, as from latitude 

 40 S. the weather is generally stormy, with strong 

 westerly winds blowing throughout the year. For hot 

 weather light flannel or woollen garments are the best. 



It is often advised to look out for cabins on a par- 

 ticular side of the ship, as regards the trade winds; 

 but our experience is that so many circumstances may 

 occur to modify these supposed advantages, that it is 

 a question as to whether it is worth while giving 

 much weight to these fancies. If the wind is too strong 

 for instance, it may oblige ports to be kept shut on 

 that side, in which case the supposed advantage is 

 nullified; or unexpected variations of wind may cause 

 it to veer away, and leave the favoured cabin no better 

 off than less carefully selected ones. In hot weather, 

 the worst thing that can occur is when the wind is 

 moderate, and blowing aft, i.e., with the track of the 

 steamer; in such case, the ship running rapidly away 

 before the wind, neutralizes the breeze, and leaves it 



