p. 18

from Madeira the weather grew warmer. The crew
were barefooted, the officers and waiters were clad
in white, as were nearly all the passengers.
Most of the passengers joined tournaments
made up of various games, but i found
it too hot for exertion. We crossed the equator
July 31, but for 24 hours before it had been growing
cooler and the night during which we crossed it
was the coolest of the journey up to that date.
We have now passed out of summer and into
winter. Tonight we saw the Southern Cross for
the first time and all confessed disappointment.
When we left England, the sun set at 7:30. Now
it sets at 6 and there is no twilight. Darkness
setting in immediately after the setting of the sun.
It is a curious contrast to Sweden.

We bought deck chairs in Madeira, those provided
by the ship proving uncomfortable. These are
better and we shall try to take them on with us
to Pt Said. We shall get our ten shillings worth.