172 September 1834 China Sea 19th N.Lat.-22°05' E.Lon. 118°38' Heading North. The wretches variable; - in the afternoon the gale Moderated, and toward night we were nearly calmmed,-in the Northern part of the China Sea. We have now struck soundings in 20 fathoms. I secured a few Marine ani- mals in the tow-net. Porpois in Company. 20th N.Lat. 24° 02' - E.Lon. 118°53' Wind about E.N.E. Heading to the N'd & W'd The Pescadore Islands were seen at daylight. Toward night the wind increased to a violent gale. Appallant masts hound. 21st N.Lat. 28° 30' - E.Lon. 118° 25' More to under Close-reefed maintopsail, heading alternately N.W. and S.E. At 8 o'clock in the mor- ing we lost sight of the Porpois in a Squall. We are having a most uncomfortable pas- pase - a continual succession of bad weather and head winds. The rolling and pitching of the ship is terrible, giving us no chance of writing or working, and scarcely any of reading. I am in constant anxiety a- bout my alcohol, bottles, jars etc., some of which "fetched away" doing little damage however. Half the nights it is impossible to sleep. It is wet below, for we some- 173 September 1834 China Sea times ship seas, little and big, which kaff the water on the berth deck several inches deep to lee- ward. It is hot and damp below, for no wind- sails can be hoisted. It was comfortable nowhere, -endurable only at the Cabin hatch, where a breath of fresh air with dry clothes coald, by assiduity, be obtained. 22nd N.Lat.-22° 52' - E.Lon. 119°03' Wind N.E. Course att S.E. The Storm Ceased toward evening. 23rd N.Lat. 21° 39' - E.Lon.119°36 Squally. Wind fresh, northeast. Beating. At night another gale commences. 24th N.Lat.-22°04' -E.Lon.119°21' Heading N. Weather stormy Sunday. We are lying to in a gale which mod- erated at night. 25th N.Lat.-22° 43' - E.Lon. 119°28' Wind east, Squally In the evening it became calm, leaving us rolling about in a heavy sea, without any means of steadying the vessel. 26th N.Lat. 22°17' - E.Lon.120°05' Fine. A light northerly wind enables us at last to head our course. The only fine day we have had since the second after sailing. I got everything up to dry and did considerable work on my Specimens. The South end of Formosa was in sight in the afternoon.