Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 1.djvu/198

120 an English residence bordering often on elegance and luxury: whilst the true open-hearted hospitality we experienced during our prolonged residence amongst them was the best proof to us that this precious peculiarity of our country thrived as vigorously here as in any part of the British empire; and the pleasing remembrances of the many happy hours we passed amongst them will long be cherished by us with deep emotions of gratitude and warmest sentiments of regard. To Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, and the officers of the 51st Regiment, we were all greatly indebted for their kind hospitality, and the friendship which grew up between the officers of the regiment and those of our ships will long continue amongst the more pleasurable recollections of our voyage. The constant, frank, and cordial intercourse between the barracks and the vessels proved a gratifying kind of united service amalgamation, now so happily manifested, under all circumstances, between the army and navy.

There is one serious evil, however, which I cannot forbear adverting to, but too evident in every house you enter, and which will require prompt and immediate attention to prevent its baneful effects extending more widely and permanently,—I mean the want of sufficient means of education for the rising generation. It was quite distressing to witness the contrast between the English educated parents and their grown-up children, whose manners and ideas seemed barely equal to those of the lower uneducated order of society at home.