130 May 1854 Hong Kong - China the fishermen for that purpose. The fish we saw thus drying on the rocks were chiefly small fry of the herring-kind. A heavy squall coming up from the S.W., to which quarter the anchorage was exposed, we removed in company with the other boats to the inner part of the cove, where if driven ashore, we should strike on a sandy beach. At sunset the skipper of each boat minutest the taffrail and burnt a large piece of salt-petred paper, chin-Chewing Joss at the same time, and finally letting the paper drop into the water and float it burning. This being done simultaneously in all the boats in the cove, had quite a theatrical effect. Our crew made themselves secure from the rain under their mats, which are kept rolled up as the quarters sailings during the day, and spread over our arched frame-work during the night. Their women, of which there were two in the boat, then prepared their principal meal, which is eaten at this hour, consisting of rice and a variety of dishes of chopped fish, chickens cutlets etc etc: - it was almost 131 May 1854 Hong Kong, China incomprehensible to as where the materials for such a variety could have been obtained. They kept up their temperance conviviality to a late hour, while Mr W. retired to the cabin and I spent the evening in smoking. Friday May 3rd We arose at an early hour. The tide was low, and having been informed by my Chinaman "John" (who had it from the fishermen) that there were "monkeys" on the island who came down to the shore for crabs and shells at low water, we resolved to go in search of them. It being calm we got out the oars and proceeded along the shore to the Southward for some distance, when on a sudden we perceived three of the creatures alluded to sitting on a rock above us. They proved to be Baboons of a large size. Soon after we perceived several other groups of four or five, in all cases sitting on rocks which afforded good points of observation. These surly fellows seemed to be holding a consultation upon our appearance, as they sat in a half circle, pointing at us and then turning to one another with some remark, undoubtedly very witty, from the grins which fol.