Page:The Irish Emigrants Guide.djvu/36

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
27

in the United States; and that therefore it is a matter of economy to be well provided with these necessaries. The contrary, however, is the case, so far as the humbler emigrant is concerned; and he will find, moreover, that most of the clothing he takes out is altogether unsuited to the climate and country into which he is about to enter. This is more especially the case when he goes out as a mere adventurer, having no certainty as to employment on landing, or no friendly home to proceed to without impediment or delay. A single person might easily dispose of a sufficient wardrobe in a small trunk, or a large carpet bag; a family need not require more than one or two compact boxes. Dirty clothing, useless articles, &c., will cost more for inland transportation than they are worth. We consider all such articles unnecessary as they can be easily and more cheaply procured in the United States than at home. Besides, a large amount of luggage will be a subject of constant annoyance to the emigrant, both on ship-board and on landing. He will not be allowed on board ship to retain under his birth more than one or two convenient boxes; with, perhaps, a few bags containing his sea-store for immediate use, cooking utensils, table equipage, &c. The rest will be consigned to the hold, and admission only allowed to them occasionally. On landing, the variety of packages to be conveyed to boarding-houses, to steamboats, railways, and public conveyences, by draymen, porters, or cabmen, through crowded streets and bustling throngs, will keep the owner's mind continually on the rack lest any of them should be left behind, lost or stolen. The expense