The deck was a refuge from the oppressive atmosphere of the steerage. On the open sea, with nothing on the horizon but water, anything sighted - fish, driftwood, another sail - was the subject of attention and comment. In good weather on a well-run ship, emigrants were expected to take their bedding up on deck to ventilate it daily. Twice a week was wash day - also on the deck. In stormy seas, however, the hatches were covered and the emigrants were imprisoned between decks in the smokey air of the lamplit steerage which was heavy with the smell of their sick and unwashed neighbours.
