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Left London for France, via Southampton, on the 28th.  At Waterloo station in London we almost missed the train because the ^[[British]] R.T.O. (Railway Transport Offices) had to do some telephoning ^[[to the Port in order]] to learn if we could cross the channel.  We left ^[[the station]] for the port at 3 o'clock and learned that we would have to stay over till a boat sailed.  We got over without being mined or torpedoed. 

The railway system caused me a little added concern to that which I've already felt, why the waste of space[[strikethrough]] [[,]] [[/strikethrough]] ^[[?]] and the rush to get seats[[strikethrough]] [[,]] [[/strikethrough]] ^[[?]] and the interruptions to inquire if you've got room[[strikethrough]] [[,]] [[/strikethrough]] ^[[?]] and the 2nd and 3rd class passengers peering in to see if they haven't missed their own compartment?  The ticket collection system is strange.  I don't like the idea of being restricted to the narrow width of the car and but 4 feet of its length. And withal it is admittedly comfortable. And the size of the "wagons" is that of our little sand cars.  Too light & small!

The tracks are in good repair and the surroundings are picturesque and neat.  A profusion of yellow flowers that I know not, a cluster of double

Transcription Notes:
The question marks with in ^[[ ]] in the central portion are an indication of the later addition of question marks, rather than an indication of an illegible text.