104 Hong Kong China March 1854 Here were extensive patches of mud uncovered by the waters, which was perforated in all directions by the holes of myriads of Sesarmia. At the margin of the water a small Melania was abundant. But the most curious object which we saw here was a fish of the genus Seripthalmaus, which did not live swimming in the water like most of its tribe, but although it could do so when necessary; but remained on the land like a reptile. When we tried to capture it on one side of the water it would skip across over its surface by successive leaps with its tail and pectoral fins, and then run in the same manner over the mud faster than we could follow it. It would also climb up the perpendicular side of a stone or stick and remain there attached by the sucker-like disc formed by its ventral fins. As we walked along the shore of the ponds these fish would spring from under our feet in countless numbers and passing ship across the water, reminding me very much of the jumping of the frogs along the margin of an American ditch. 26th Sunday. This morning Mr Wright and myself went to the large English church of this place, called St. John's; but after waiting some time in the porch, and no one offering us a seat we came away disappointed of hearing service read after so long non-attendance upon public worship which very voyages like our occasions. 27th One of our scientific corps, Mr Foster, being about to leave us, I assisted him in packing up his chemical instruments etc., and he turned over to me such portion of them as I will find useful in Geology, which branch now devolves upon me. Mr F. is one of the most hard working students I ever saw; he is always engaged either in writing, or studying some of the sciences, or modern languages. Of his powers of original invention I am unable to judge; they might very possibly have been developed