THE WERTETIX TEXAS. ~ 33l 



of a moro southerly sun. Although out of eight of laud, we 

 skirted sufficiently near the Atlantic's western shore to have tho 

 constant company of large white gulls, who, to some extent, de- 

 pended upon our ship for their sup])lies. The occasional appear- 

 ance of steamers and vessels with sails spread to the wind, clearly 

 indicated that we were traversing one of the great frequented 

 but trackless paths of the sea. We passed the entrance to 

 Charleston harbor, and if we could only have prolonged the day- 

 light for a few hours, we would have reached Port Royal, our 

 first stopping place, the third night after leaving New York. A 

 gentleman with a sea-glass reported that he saw trees upon the 

 Carolina shore, but we suspected he was somewhat aided by his 

 imagination. 



The Western Texas is one of a line of steamers which runs 

 between New York and Nassau, touching at one or more of our 

 southern j^orts going and returning. They are owned by C. H. 

 Mallory & Co., and carry tlie mail under a long contract with 

 the Bahama government, v» hich pays the company a handsome 

 subsidy for the service. From the position and nearness of the 

 Bahamas to our coast, intimate and close commercial intercourse 

 between them and the United States is inevitable. 



The Texas is a nev/ boat, about three years old, and has supe- 

 rior passenger accommodations. Its main saloon, "social hall " 

 and staterooms, are roomy, very handsomely finished and fui-- 

 nislied, and uncommonly pleasant. Neatness, cleanliness, order 

 and efficiency are marked characteristics, and comfort and con- 

 fidence are the result. The table, during our voyage, was sup- 

 plied with an abundance of well-cooked food, including all the 

 substantials and many of the delicacies that are to be met with 

 in a good hotel. She registers 1250 tons, and is one of the 

 largest of the line; the freight and passenger business is not suffi- 

 cient to warrant the use of larger vessels. 



