very means
adopted by our kind officers, which could contribute towards our
recovery. For the first fortnight drills were out of the question,
instead of which we were kindly nursed, until the disease was completely
eradicated; and by this careful treatment we were all soon restored to
the enjoyment of health. But few men died of those that were landed;
and, if I recollect right, our total loss was seventy-two men.
Notwithstanding all our troubles and misfortunes, we arrived before the
other divisions of the regiment; but they had not suffered from disease:
their loss was two men only.[6]

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

FOOTNOTES:

[6] According to Barrow, the ships bringing the other "experimental"
boy-regiments to the Cape, suffered in like manner from "ship-fever."
It affords a suggestive commentary on the transport-service of that time
that the same ships, after they had been properly disinfected at the
Cape, carried troops to Egypt without sickness.--ED.

CHAPTER V.

Simon's Town is situated on the bay which bears the same name, and
contains many well-built houses. Here we were stationed for a short
time; and, as the regiment was not restricted from going out, I soon
commenced reconnoitring the localities of the neighbourhood, and was
glad to find that there were a number of well-stocked gardens close to
the barracks. A pound of meat (and that of the worst) and three-quarters
of a pound of bread per diem, was but a scanty allowance for a growing
lad. Indeed, I frequently managed to get through my three days' bread in
one; but as we could get fish for a mere song, and as the gardens of our
neighbours, the Dutchmen, supplied us with potatoes, we continued, one
way or another, to fare tolerably well at this station.

We were soon after moved to the station of Muisenberg, seven miles
nearer to Cape Town, a post defended by a small battery, and the beach,
in places of easy access, guarded by a few guns. The road from Simon's
Town to Muisenberg sometimes runs along the beach, which is very flat,
and on which the sea flows with gentle undulations; and, at others,
winds round the feet of craggy hills, covered with masses of stone,
which have the appearance of being merely suspended in the air, ready to
be rolled down upon you by the slightest touch. On these hills whole
regiments of baboons assemble, for which this station is particularly
famous. They stand six feet high, and in features and manners appro