keepers, instead of a frock have a coat of a somewhat
loud and striking character. Then, again, a yellow dress denotes that
the convict has attempted to escape; and further, a blue cloth dress
denotes that the wearer, engaged as a pointsman, has but little more time
to stay, and has a little more freedom intrusted to him. In the working
days in summer the prison-bell rouses all hands at a quarter-past five,
allowing an hour for washing, dressing, and breakfast. Then comes
morning service in the chapel. They are then marched off to labour,
where they remain till eleven, when they return to dinner. At half-past
twelve they are again paraded, and dismissed to labour till six. Suppers
are distributed to each cell at half-past six, and at seven evening
service is held in the chapel. The prisoners then return to their cells.
In winter-time they are recalled from labour at half-past four, prayers
are read at five, and supper is served at six; the prisoners then return
to their cells. At eight all lights must be put out, and silence reigns
in every hall, the slippered night-guards alone gliding through the long
and dimly-lighted galleries like so many spectres. It may be that sorrow
is wakeful, but it is not so at Portland. If the men have troubled
consciences and uneasy hours, it is when they are at work, and not during
the period allotted to repose. They are asleep as soon as ever the
lights are put out, and till the bell summons them to labour they sleep
the sleep of the just. Nor can we wonder at it. There is no sleep so
sweet and precious, as that earned by a long day's work in the open air.

Attendance at chapel and walking exercise in the open air, are the two
great features of the Sunday's employment; and, as a farther change, we
may mention, each prisoner is allowed half a day's schooling per week.
While at work, of course they talk together,--it is impossible to prevent
that,--and they choose their companions, and have their friendships as if
they were free; and even, as in the case of Sir John Dean Paul,
maintain--or endeavour to do so--the social distinctions which were
accorded to them when supposed to be respectable members of respectable
society. Altogether here, as at many a worse place than Portland, the
convicts must work hard, for the contractor depends on them for the
supply of stone which is sent down the tramway to the Breakwater; but
many of the men at Portland have been accustomed to hard lab