194 Sporting Notes in the Far East. 



the very nest of the fierce typhoons, that annually in the summer 

 months, carry death and destruction throughout the China seas. 



It was also celebrated in the early days, when the " foreign 

 devil " first disturbed the slumbers of " Sleeping China," as the 

 headquarters of the swarms of bloodthirsty and cowardly pirates 

 that then infested the seas around Hongkong, and the creeks and 

 mouths of the Canton river. 



One unavoidable objection to the place, from a Sailor's side of 

 the question, is, that owing to the excessively shoal water, ships of 

 even the very lightest draught have always to lay some three miles 

 from the shore, and at low water the landing in boats is most 

 difficult. 



It is better at all times to land if possible in a " shore junk " 

 (hire i yen) in preference to a ship's boat ; they know all the best 

 channels, and they also have the double pull of drawing very little 

 water, as well as sailing extremely well. 



If you are landing overnight, food and a shake-down can 

 always be procured at the Chinese Compradore's : but I will not 

 answer for the possible fleas &c., and other discomforts. There is 

 no hotel. However, in my case", we did not need to partake 

 of the Compradore's doubtful hospitality ; as the then consul, and 

 all the residents, were most kind in putting us up, and making 

 things as comfortable as possible. 



I was first here in the beginning of March. When bent on a 



