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Of the steamers plying between Ilfracombe, Swansea, Bristol, and other neighbouring places, it cannot honestly be said that "they are no great shakes." If the Master of the Rolls possesses any nautical authority, it might be advantageously exercised in regard to some of these steamers.
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The rule for debarcation and embarcation (on the Swansea, Ilfracombe, &c., steamers) appears to be, "Insure the least amount of convenience to the greatest number possible." The inconvenience might be modified (to put it gently) were the following suggestions acted upon:—
1st. From Ilfracombe pier there should be four sets of stairs (or more) instead of two.
2nd. Make an upper and a lower deck to pier; the latter for shelter during rain and storm. Your hardy sea-dogs seem to be perfectly unaware of the existence of water descending from the clouds. With them the rain is "in nubibus."
3rd. There should be two steamers to any one place, one departing just a quarter of an hour before the other's arrival. Call them "Box" and "Cox"—as they both occupy the same harbour. Thus the pier would never be inconveniently, or dangerously, crowded by an outgoing and an incoming crowd at the same moment.
4th. Bigger steamers.
5th. Greatly improved catering, on board, absolutely necessary. More hands to wait at table.
6th. Other improvements essential, but not necessary to mention here in detail.