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FOR THE VOYAGE

If one be so happily free from comelling circumstances
as to be able to choose her month
to cross the ovean, she will wisely select July or
August, not only because they are admitted to be
safer--freer from icebergs than June, and less liable
to gales than September--but because in them,
if ever, come the perfect sea days. They are cool
without a suggestion of chilliness, and sunny without
heat; while the ocean is often only rippled by
the motion of the steamer. If a traveller could
make the trip without seasickness at any time,
it would be then. May is frequently pleasanter
than June, not to mention the lesser likelihood
of encountering ice floes and bergs--one of the
great perils of the ocean--which become loosened
by the coming warmth, and often reach our
latitude in great numbers during the month of
roses.

But, whatever the season chosen, the line of
steamers and the state-room can not be too early
selected, especially in a year like this, when there
exists an unusual reason for European travel.
Almost every body has some preference in favor
of or prejudice against some especial line, but
there is very little to choose between the first-class
vessels. There is only his to be remembered--that
the faster vessel, the more motion
it is apt to have, since its speed depends chiefly
on its great length and proportionate narrowness.

The situation of the state-room is of much importance
both to the sick and the well passenger;
but to the sick one it can hardly be overestimated.
It should always be amidships--that is, as nearly
in the middle of the vessel as possible--outside,
in which case it will have a round bull's-eye window
that can be kept open in still weather, and
be on the starboard or right side going over, and
the port or left side coming back. There requisites
secured, you have steadiness, so far as may
be, air, and sunshine, every one of which will contribute
inestimably to your comfort. When the
decision of going over has been reached, it is wise
to visit the steam-ship office and examine the plans
of the vessels before definitely naming the day of
departure; for it is often easier to secure good
accommodations on one vessel than on another,
and good state-rooms are of far more importance
than a fast steamer or a week's time. If not
near enough to go personally to the office, write,
and a plan of the month's ships will be sent youm
with the state-rooms previously engaged marked
thereon.

The seat at table is another thing to be considered.
It is preferable to sit at the end of the
setees, because it is easier therefrom to beat a
hasty retreat, if necessary; and if the state-rooms
open off the dining saloon, as they do in some
vessels, it is desirable to have a place immediately
opposite your room. But if the state-rooms
are below the saloon, sit as nearly amidships as
possible. The seats are arranged by the head
steward usually, and an immediate application
to him upon getting aboard, generally re-enforced
by a ten-shilling fee, is an act of prudence.

The question of feeing is important, because
personal comfort depends largely on the attention
received from the servants, who, accustomed to
get fees, are not likely to render much or willing
service without. The room steward and stewardess
and the table steward or waiter all expect
a gratuity, according to their attention to you, and
the fees usually range from ten shillings to one
pound, English ($2.50 to $5). Be provided with
some English gold, before starting, for the express
purpose of fees, which, though they add to the
cost of the voyage, are a remunerative expense.

A princesse dress of dark water-proof or flannel,
but little trimmed, makes an excellent steamer
dress, because it is all in one piece, and has no
belts or over-skirts to be fastened on. But whatever
the dress, let it be short enought to clear the
deck well all round. The decks are apt to be
wet, and it is unwholesome as well as unpleasant
to have damp skirts clinging about the ankles,
to say nothing of the fact that it is next to impossible
to dry at sea any thing wet with sea-water.
Ruffling cut in lengths ready to bastet into
the neck of the dress in convenient, though the
writer prefers linen collars with a tucker not requiring
to be pinned in, as more suitable and less