stopping the leak. This offer of kindness was, of course, civilly declined by the senior officer, on the ground that we had plenty of good carpenters on board, who were perfectly equal to the task; stating to them that an asylum was all we required during the time of repair, with permission to take on board some fresh provisions. and water, of which we stood much in need; and all this we would most cheerfully pay for.

An immediate supply of bullocks, pigs, goats, fowls, eggs, and other articles, with abundance of excellent sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruit then in season, and even candles* and fire-wood, followed this intimation. Supplies of the same description were sent on board as often as was necessary, for about six weeks, the period of our stay on the island; those who brought them taking a receipt to shew they had been delivered safely; but the chief authorities, who sent them, who sent them, obstinately

* Their candles are made of unrefined wax, with paper wicks, and give an excellent light.

suite with him; some were official people of different ranks, and the rest his personal attendants. Here the occasion of our visit was again discussed; the pumps were set to work to shew the effect of the leak; and promises on their part renewed of every assistance.

Although they had not heard from the king on the subject of our going on shore, and notwithstanding it was contrary to a general rule for any stranger to land upon their coast, yet, they now said, a few of the officers were always welcome to walk about within certain bounds. After partaking of a very handsome entertainment, he took his leave, the captain promising to return his visit. At one o'clock on the following day the boats were manned, and Captains Maxwell and Hall, with several of the officers in full uniform, proceeded into Napa-kiang*. This harbour is formed by the mouth of a river, at

* Napa appears to have been the original name of the town; but, since their connexion with China, the term Foo (or city of the first class) has been added; making

the entrance of which, on each side, are strong-built walls or piers, for a considerable way up, and inside were anchored several rather large junks. Vessels under the size of frigates could be received very well in this river;-the bottom is soft mud. The river widens somewhat immediately above the anchorage, and in it is situated a very pretty and well-wooded little island. At the landing-place the party were met by some of the chiefs, who had been most in the habit of visiting the ships, each of whom, taking one of the officers by the hand, led him through an immense collection of spectators to the gate of a public building, where the old gentleman already mentioned attended to welcome them into the house. Here an entertainment was

served up in a style which a pastry-cook, or connoisseur in eating, might describe, but which to another might be a difficult task. The utmost good humour, however,

Napafoo. Kiang, another Chinese word, signifies river, and, when coupled with Napa, means merely the river, port, or anchorage of the place.