Today I went ashore with the intention of purchasing some books; but to my surprise found there was not a bookstore in the place, and none could be obtain- ed, with the exception of a few second hand volumes in some of the stores, which however were not what I wanted. This only adds to many other tings observed here, which give one the impression that this can never be a very important place. It does not seem to be growing, thriving - peo- ple do not look forward to future great- ess - they come here to make money and get home again as soon as possible. There is no back country to support the place, and vessels con- ing here almost invariably go up to Canton for a cargo. The wind has been North-east for many days, and is very strong t- day, but is still very hot where I one cannot feel the breeze. I walked up to the Observatory, saw Mr Smith, I spent an hour there pleasantly.