62 
VOYAGE TO AMBOINA. 
and are carefully finished and caulked* The 
produce of the nutmeg -tree forms as cleanly 
an article of cargo as could be wished. A box 
measuring about three feet by two by one con- 
tains £20 worth of nutmegs, and such a box 
will hold from £30 to £40 worth of mace. 
We are now steaming straight for Amboina, 
where this stage of our journey to the Tenimber 
Islands ends. I am now quite familiar with the 
manner of life on shipboard. I take full advan- 
tage of the privilege, denied to ladies on English 
vessels, of appearing on deck before certain 
hours. Here all come up with daylight, all 
equally in neglige costume, to enjoy the fresh- 
ness of the morning wind. Coffee is offered 
as soon as one appears on deck. Breakfast, 
with cold meat and eggs, is on the saloon table 
for several hours after 7, and one descends to 
partake or has it brought on deck at will. 
About 10, soup with toast is offered, or if the 
day is intensely hot, some liqueur with effer- 
vescent water. About 12, the advent of a stand 
with gin and bitters, vermuth and sherry, an- 
nounces that lunch will be served in half an 
hour, and it is the habit of most Dutch gentle- 
men to whet the appetite with the first of these, 
while vermuth is taken by the ladies as a tonic. 
