'These principles are no doubt in operation in every tolerable mode of marine architecture, but not to the degree of perfection in which the tendency to assume horizontality of position, and to receive the least possible disturbing effects from the most formidable disturbing causes in the action of rough, irregular, or heavy seas, has been attained in the modelling and building of the "Royal Charter;" and whilst similar results in kind will be found to have been obtained in very many or most of the scientifically constructed and splendid clipper and other first-class ships of this important age, I should much doubt whether in any single instance the approach to perfectness of the model of the "Royal Charter" has been exceeded, or even--in all the elements of the perfect "sea-boat," as adapted for these southern regions, proverbial for turbulent seas and boisterous weather--been equalled. The view from the poop and forecastle which my wife and some others of our ladies witnessed for considerable periods together, even in the height of the gale, was one, especially during the favourable occasions of bright sunshine, of sublime magnificence; whilst the general view of the tumultuous waters as we looked astern, as the ship was scudding before the storm, and as we marked the waves rolling perpetually onward, and overtaking in succession the swift-sailing ship, presented a picture of striking grandeur. The more threatening storm seas, as every now and then they rose high above our position, and intercepted (astern and on the quarters of the ship) every other portion of the mighty waters, could hardly be contemplated,--I ought to say, could not _rationally_ be contemplated, without awe! Nor was the action of the ship under the mighty disturbance the least impressive or least striking feature in the general picture.' I remember that passage being quoted in the _Athenæum_, with this pleasant remark: 'Only to think of all this jollity at sea--in a voyage round the world--dainty ladies for companions instead of howling savages; fresh fish, flesh, and fowl, champagne, old port, and silver dishes, in place of remainder biscuit, salt pork, and hot grog.' Ah! _only_ to think of all the jollity! Little did Dr. Scoresby imagine, when he penned that passage--little did the reviewer think when he affixed that genial comment to it--that the ship, with its jollity, its dainty ladies, and its silver trappings, would so soon lie 'sunk in the waves!' But the life on board the vessel has been elsewhere described. In a tiny tome of sketches lately published[E] is the following attempt at a picture:-- [E] 'Dottings of a Lounger.' By Frank Fowler.