And up the islands we went, wiser, but not sadder, than when we went down them; casting wistful eyes, though, to windward, for there away--and scarcely out of sight--lay Tobago, to which we had a most kind invitation; and gladly would we have looked at that beautiful and fertile little spot, and have pictured to ourselves Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday pacing along the coral beach in one of its little southern coves.

More wistfully still did we look to windward when we thought of Barbadoes, and of the kind people who were ready to welcome us into that prosperous and civilised little cane-garden, which deserves-- and has deserved for now two hundred years, far more than poor old Ireland--the name of 'The Emerald Gem of the Western World.' But it could not be.

A few hours at Grenada, and a few hours at St. Lucia, were all the stoppages possible to us.

The steamer only passes once a fortnight, and it is necessary to spend that time on each island which is visited, unless the traveller commits himself-- which he cannot well do if he has a lady with him--to the chances and changes of coasting schooners.

More frequent and easy intercommunication is needed throughout the Antilles.