THE LAYING OF THE ATLANTIC CABLE. 241 



is a most excellent 'Maintenance' Company." No 

 wonder that Dr Ward has so much to do, or that 

 his patient son is worn with fatigue in dispensing 

 medicine in the various cabins. However abstemious 

 we may be on shore, the appetite at sea never seems 

 satisfied. People I speak also of myself who when 

 at home found the greatest difficulty in consuming 

 a few inches of dry toast at breakfast, can and do 

 here actually dispose of two or three mutton-chops, 

 a plate of broiled ham and eggs, and a whole rack- 

 ful of toast. Nor does this suffice till dinner, the 

 luncheon-bell being eagerly attended to. Amusing is 

 it to see these delicate creatures daily sipping sherry 

 and bitters at five, as if their poor appetites required 

 any stimulant. As to the dinner, I say nothing. 

 Considering that the bill of fare contains about 

 twenty items, natural curiosity, even without hunger, 

 would be a sufficient reason for not starving. At 

 tea, like children, they enjoy their toast and mar- 

 malade, and make no objection to biscuits and cheese 

 at ten ; and verily I believe they would not fail to 

 attend were there even an additional meal or two 

 added to the already too frequent repasts of the day. 

 To conclude my lists of amusements the evening is 

 spent at Avhist, chess, or other games, and early to bed 

 is the order of the night. 



To return to my narrative. On Saturday, July 29th, 

 at 1 P.M., to the sudden discomfiture of our hopes, 

 another fault was announced, and of a far more serious 



