Excursion to Port Arthur . 
279 
Sucli cause has he to weep who pious pays 
The last sad tribute of his love and praise. 
Trust he shall meet her on that happy shore 
Where pain and sickness they shall be no more. 
Dead Men’s Isle is a picturesquely sorrowful spot—so 
soothing in its melancholy, so placid in its solitude, that 
a friend of mine, the late Dr. Macbraire, when Medical 
Officer at the Settlement, and under the impression of 
approaching doom, requested that he might be laid within 
its leafy shores. Macbraire, however, was destined to 
mingle his dust with that of Albion, where, my wander¬ 
ings o’er, I yet look forward to deposit my own. 
It is not alone in funeral verse that Port Arthur has 
been sung; Mr. Ellennan, First Lieutenant of the 
Favourite , having struck the chord in glowing measure. 
Port Arthur is a place of wonders. Where naught but 
sin and crime are assumed to exist, the seeds of religion 
and virtue have been carefully planted, and the blossoms 
of godliness are seen to germinate. Even the yellow jacket 
may cover many a repentant and returning heart. As a 
kind of guiding star—a spiritual Oasis in this moral 
desert, a Sabbath school has been instituted for the 
children of the officers, soldiers, overseers, and others. 
This day, the lOtli of January, the anniversary meeting 
and examination was held. The muster was a goodly 
one, comprising some 34 boys and girls of various ages. 
A number of excellent instructive books were provided 
as prizes for the most exemplary attendants, the most 
diligent and proficient scholars. In each branch a hot 
competition ensued ; and, in many instances, so earnest 
was the struggle, that Captain Booth, the patron of the 
institution, felt some difficulty in awarding the palm. 
The examination over, the children proceeded to a 
marquee, formed of the Favourites sails and flags, and 
tastefully adorned with a profusion of native wreaths 
and garlands. In this marquee they enjoyed a fete al 
