166 A COLLECTING TRIP 
Robert Hart would do anything for us if he knew we 
knew Lisburn, for he came from there. He is the most 
influential foreigner who has ever been in China. 
I am afraid we are too late to go to Manila with 
any comfort, for it will be very hot there now. But 
should we succeed in getting a good steamer we may 
run over there for a few days, as it is only forty hours 
run from Hong Kong and should be calm now. But 
you can never tell about this voyage, which is like the 
channel between Calais and Dover. 
Well, no more news now; so good bye with love 
from us both to you all. 
Tom. 
This boat has had a fire on board so we had 
several extra days in Saigon, while she was being re- 
paired. The collecting was not especially good since 
the season has been exceptionally dry. 
Paquebot, le Touraine. 
China Sea, April 29, 1907. 
Dear Fred : 
A few more hours and we shall be in Hong Kong. 
We have had a fine passage not rough a second. I sup- 
pose you were surprised to get a cable from us from 
Saigon, Cochin China. It was supposed to be a birth- 
day present to you, as we sent it on the 25th. Saigon 
is a very interesting city; the streets are well kept up 
and everything is neatly laid out; it is ealled the Paris 
of the East. There are many shops, cafes, ete. The 
hats here you would go crazy over and you ean get 
them for next to nothing. A pink crushed strawberry 
straw, stylish shape, with a rose and enormous shaded 
pink ostrich feather, for $12, U. S. money, nothing. I 
