238 April, 1853. Loo Choo wooden structure common in Loo Choo. We then went on until we arrived at one of the grand temples to which after much opposition from the Bonzes or shaven-headed priests, we gained admittance, and inspected the idols, tumtums, prayer-books &c. By striking the great brass bell of the place which was some six feet in height and thus in diameter we soon drew a large and excited crowd of people around us, vociferating and gesticulating in a violent manner as if we had committed sacrilege: this crowd continued with us until we left the city, trying to force us away without violence however. We visited the library where we saw piles upon piles of folios of writings of all ages, with ancient-looking scribes seated in the different rooms busily engaged in writing or transcribing. Here we partook of tea and pipes which were politely served to us. After strolling a little in a picturesque valley in the centre of the city, in which were two pretty artificial ponds or canals somewhat choked with weeds, the time approached when we should take our departure, so we pressed into our service a couple of palanqueers, which these people willingly furnished us on the prospect of getting rid of us, - and came down to landing place at a rattling pace, which our bearers kept up, showing wonderful power in the "wind" for this hot climate. On the 24th we got underway, in company with the "Hancock" and "Cooper" at daylight. We coasted along the west shore of Loo Choo, heading North and at noon were in lat. 26°41' N. Wind S.W. We passed between the Montgomery Islands and Great Loo Choo, taking angles, bearings &c for a survey, and at night hove to. 28th. N. lat. 27°15' E. lon. 128°31' Wind S.W. Fine. Temp. 78°. At daylight off the North end of Loo Choo. We kept off to the northward for Oukin, passed to the westward of this island and luffing up under its lee, sailed along its northern shore so close as to be able to perceive the houses, cattle, and people. It appears to possess no good harbor, and is not wooded. At sunset Kakiroosma was in sight to the N.E. 29th Sunday. N. lat. 28°20' E. lon. 129°33' Wind S. Temp. 80°. We passed to the westward of Kakiroosma and made the mountains of Ousima to the northward. By noon we were 239 April, 1853. Off the Loo Choo Islands