June 1854 Hong Kong, China of invertebrates, which are now, with very few exceptions finally labelled and packed a-way. There is a strong excitement here at present about pirates, which now infest the coast in great numbers. Several vessels have been chased, some robbed, others are missing. Strong hints have been thrown out that it is the duty of our Commodore to send his vessels of war (in the absence of others) to destroy these marauders,-which has occasioned quite a tart controversy in the Hong Kong journals. June 10th The Porpoise, now completely repaired, sailed this morning under the command of Capt. Rolando, who has been appointed to her in the place of Capt. Davis who went home sick. She is to cruise in search of the pirates. Our ship, the Vincennes, is about to proceed to Canton, as the European residents there, among whom are numerous Americans, are said to be in danger of an attack from the insurgents, who are making demonstrations against the city. I made out list of all the specimens June 1854 Whampoa Reach in the Star-House, which are to be stowed away on board the Kennedy. Sunday June 11th We get underway early in the morning and proceeded up toward Canton with a fair wind. We ran chiefly between the Chinese Coast forming the Northern shore of the bay, and the numerous large islands which are interspersed in it. At about 11 o'clock at night we came to in the bay formed by the river above the "Boque" June 12th Getting underway early in the morning we ran up the river and came to anchor just below "Bamboo-town" at nine in the forenoon. Bamboo-town is a village composed of Chinese Shanties, Sailor boarding houses etc., lying on the right bank of the river and lining the shore, about two miles below Canton. On the other shore, and opposite to it, lies New-town a village of the same character, built partly on piles. Its houses have "front-yards" consisting of spaces of the water enclosed by stakes. In these boats are kept. The shipping in the river lies are mostly anchored between these two towns, and among the rest we saw many American Clippers.