PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. J 59 



mans teef," he also advised us at the same time to look 

 well after our watches, handkerchiefs, and particularly 

 any of the instruments that were taken on shore. These 

 precautions I am almost certain were unnecessary, and 

 I am inclined to believe that An-yah painted his coun- 

 trymen in such odious colours to make us take proper 

 precautions. Though the Loo Chooans are extremely 

 curious, and highly prize such an instrument, yet the 

 theft is not in character with the rest of their conduct, 

 and however appearances may condemn them, I am 

 inclined to believe them guiltless of taking the ther- 

 mometer, which, probably, was left in the tub used 

 for drawing up sea-water to try its temperature, and 

 was accidentally thrown overboard. And yet in so 

 large a body of people there must naturally be some 

 who are bad ; however, we never heard any thing more 

 of the thermometer. 



A little before noon I landed to observe the me- 

 ridional altitude, and met Shtafacoo and several other 

 Loo Choo gentlemen, who were attended by little 

 boys holding parasols over them, and carrying small 

 japanned cases containing smoked and dried meats, 

 small cups of preserves, and boiled rice, sackee, a 

 spirit resembhng the samchew of China, and fresh 

 water. They ordered mats to be spread for us, and 

 we made a good luncheon of the many nice things in 

 their boxes. We afterwards crossed over to Potsoong, 

 where we were met by an elderly gentleman, who made 

 a very low obeisance, and pressed us to come into the 

 house in which the officers of Sir Murray Maxwell's 

 squadron and of the Blossom had been entertained, 

 and which appeared to be set apart entirely for our 

 use. It was situated in a square area laid out in lawn 

 and flower beds, and enclosed by a high wall ; the 



