CAPE OP GOOD HOPE. 475 



high sense of honour; and notwithstanding Sir George may have 

 considered it necessary to obey implicitly his orders, still the fact that 

 he lent himself to such a service must injure his reputation. 



In justice to Sir Hudson Lowe, it must be stated, according to 

 what I heard at the island, that his treatment of his royal captive was 

 in strict conformity to his instructions, and that, as far as his orders 

 were concerned, he was allowed no discretion. Many of the inha- 

 bitants know that he tried in several ways to ameliorate the condition 

 of his prisoner, but was not permitted to do so. 



I trust that what I have said upon this subject will not be con- 

 strued as disrespectful to a high-minded and friendly government, 

 or be casting any odium on the many honourable and courteous 

 British officers it has been my good fortune to meet in many parts 

 of the globe, and who have extended to me and my officers the most 

 grateful civilities ; but I could not forbear the expression of my sen- 

 timents when I contemplate the prison-house of Napoleon, and the 

 ignoble condition and uses to which it is put. 



The officer in charge of the magnetic observatory complained that 

 it was badly placed, and that both his instruments and observations 

 suffered from the constant change of temperature, and the dampness 

 of the situation. He politely showed us the instruments, which were 

 in a detached building ; after which we returned to Longwood, and 

 soon after left it, glad to escape from the mist and driving wind that 

 enveloped it. 



From Longwood we took the road to Plantation House, which 

 leads across the island, making numerous turns as it ascends and 

 descends the gullies. Many pretty dells were occupied by neat 

 cottages, in whose gardens were cultivated potatoes and other vege- 

 tables. Of the former, two crops are obtained within the year, and 

 a ready sale is found for them to the vessels that visit the island. 

 On our arrival at the porter's lodge of Plantation House, we were 

 informed that the governor, Colonel Trelawny, had gone to James- 

 town, and that the ladies of the family were not visible. We there- 

 fore, so far as time permitted, examined the grounds, which are 

 laid out with taste, and contained a good collection of foreign trees. 

 Some of these were very flourishing, and it was curious to see 

 many trees of European species growing side by side with those 

 of Australia. 



Our botanists were of opinion that the tradition which prevails 



