Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/64

 harmony, if they are so disposed, and like members of the same family. The poop or the quarter-deck affords ample space for air and exercise; the forecastle and the top contain interesting studies of character, while the farm yard,the poultry yard, the piggery, the dairy, may each be made to enliven an idle hour. In general, much shyness and reserve prevail amongst the passengers on first starting, and probably a good deal of this may prevail during the voyage, but this, when not based upon unfriendliness, or a desire to give offence, is likely to contribute more to the comfort and good understanding of the shipmates, than too much familiarity. Misunderstandings and personal quarrels, and party feuds are no uncommon things on board ship, and the outward voyage is more remarkable for these, than the homeward. When there is such a disparity in the years, and pursuits and associations of the passengers, a certain degree of discretion and reserve is almost desirable, and like the envelopes in a case of oranges, or the dunnage of the cargo, prevents incompatible elements from chafing one another, and keeps every one in his proper place.

The changes in the weather, the shifting of the sails, the calms, and breezes, and storms and hurricanes vary the scene, if they don't add to the pleasure. Different latitudes have their varieties of fish or fowl, or something else. Showers of