1 2 The Gardens of the Su7t. [ch. i. 



hue, reminding one of cornstacks at home. Bukit-Jugra, 

 Cape Eachardo, and Mount Ophir towering up above the 

 horizon behind the town of Malacca itself, were distinctly 

 seen ere we reached the numerous islets near the entrance 

 to the harbour and roads at Singapore. 



A long sea voyage has its pleasures as well as its 

 drawbacks,; and in travelling eastward, more especially, 

 it is quite possible, after crossing " the Bay," to get a 

 smooth voyage aU the way. There are times when the 

 Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the China Sea lie 

 sleeping in the sunshine, and a steamer runs as smoothly 

 ^s a canal boat. Of course a yachtsman of the old sea- 

 dog school is disgusted with this sort of fine weather 

 saihng ; but it is most pleasant to passengers on board 

 steamships who can lie and read under the cool side of 

 the awning, drinking in the fresh ozonised sea air, i;n- 

 troubled for the nonce by the cares of business or the 

 whirl and bustle of the town. 



A curious feeling comes over one on viewing the 

 boundless ocean for the first time on a calm, cloudless 

 ■da3^ It makes one feel extremely small to gaze on what 

 .appears to be the eternity of sea around, with not a 

 speck or a saU to break the view on all sides. Then 

 •when a breeze springs up a sense of freedom animates 

 the breast as the vessel rushes through the water and 

 shakes the milk-white foam from her bows, as though 

 iilso glad to be free. The pleasure is aldn to that of the 

 saddle. The exhilarating motion of the ship stirs one's 

 blood and sends it coursing through one's veins, as she 

 "walks the waters like a thing of life," and the strong 

 pure breeze fans our cheeks and the cool spray comes in 

 our faces hke a shower of dew. Well might Euskin give 

 our English pastime of yachting the first place amongst 

 xecreations. Nothing can be more refreshing than to 



