r clothing for warmer vestments. The ladies
appear no more in light muslin dresses, and without any head covering.
The gentlemen have eschewed their suits of white drill and Panama hats,
and have assumed heavy over-coats and flannel under-clothing. It is a
'nipping and an eager air,' closely resembling winter, and reminding
everybody of the fact, that in one short hour we have tripped lightly
from the perpetual summer of the tropics into the coldest season of the
north. Some sea water which had been hauled up in a bucket half an hour
ago was perfectly tepid, and now when the bucket is lowered and raised
we are amazed to find that the contents are icy cold!

Next day the liquid in our water jugs is discovered to be in a freezing
condition, and fires have been lighted in all the stoves. But our chilly
Creoles derive little or no warmth from these artificial means, although
they are swathed in garments ten inches deep.

Great is the joy when the 'Morro Castle' at last sails into the wide and
picturesque harbour of the great American city, and when we have safely
landed, satisfied the Custom-house officers, and are finally lodged in a
comfortable hotel in Broadway, our happiness is complete.

Numbers of Cuban families are already encamped in the hotel which Don
Benigno has selected for himself, family and friend, and at the table
d'hote where we take our first American meal, the conversation is held
exclusively in the Spanish language. Don Benigno is delighted to find
himself among his countrymen again, and as the city is over-run with
Cuban refugees, he soon meets many of his old friends. Some of them tell
him that, having had their property confiscated, and being too old to
take part in the revolution, they intend to remain in America, where
they hope to improve their fortunes; while the more able-bodied are
recruiting with a view to certain secret expeditions to Cuba.

Tunicu, who joins us shortly after our arrival, is of course overjoyed
at our appearance, and welcomes some of us literally with 'open arms!'
Having passed some weeks in New York, he is of course already acquainted
with everybody of note in the city, and is familiar with American ways.
He tells us all about the Cuban 'Laborantes' of New York, and how they
are labouring in behalf of their bellicose countrymen. How juntas are
held, and how the Cuban ladies take a prominent part in these meetings,
and provide funds for the relief of their sick and wounded c