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PREFACE
The composition of this hook
occupied a voyage from China to England. Notes from my journal furnished the
matter, my husband dictating while I wrote. Thus the contents came to be
coloured by the peculiar character of his mind, and this preface was
rendered necessary; for I cannot allow the work to go forth without this
explanation. Professional subjects are touched on, which many of my readers
will see could not have emanated from me. Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Muter
used the opportunity of stating opinions he strongly held, and which he
thought might be useful; but he would be sorry they should be published
under the shelter of a lady’s name.
The original MS. was rambling and diffuse, having been commenced in the
middle, and continued towards either end. Indeed it was in a very crude and
incomplete state on our arrival in England. During our voyage to New Zealand
it assumed its present form; and the chapters on that colony were added on
the way from Dunedin to Calcutta.
At first the work was a subject of amusement, and furnished pleasant
occupation for our time at sea. It was not, however, till it assumed some
shape and consistency, that I entertained even the idea of publishing it;
though my friends urged me to do so, on the plea that I had ample material,
and that the adventures would be of interest to my countrywomen, as they
portrayed the experiences of an officer’s wife in the various countries
visited by her.
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