AT SKA — DUTCH OFFICIALS. 
31 
burdened in their cumbersome uniforms, and 
ladies seemed distressed in European clothing. 
One lady fainted, and every one suffered until 
we set off and caught the breeze from the sea : 
when we had climbed to the deck of the Bromo 
it was comparatively cool 
The bulk of the passengers by this route are 
officials changing residence from one part to 
another of the Dutch possessions, or military 
officers changing their station. We learn that 
when such a change is ordered, the furniture of 
the old home is sold, because transport is so very 
dear. With the proceeds of the sale all debts 
are paid, and a fresh start is made. But in 
some remote parts furniture could not be pur- 
chased, and all that is needful must be taken. 
All have some household gods to which they 
cling : there are flowers, and the children's 
domestic pets cannot be left behind, so the 
ship is like a garden and menagerie combined, 
while furniture not only crowds the deck, but 
is hung in every available space overhead, so 
low that one must always he looking out to 
avoid - being bumped. 
We are a considerable company, a floating 
village. Besides the saloon passengers on our 
deck, there are the maid and men servants, who 
