62 
HONG-KONG. 
which interpose between them, and follow the dyke through its whole 
extent. The width of each of these veins does not exceed four inches ; 
that of the basaltic dyke is as many feet. The veins are of three kinds : 
1st, a compound of granite and basalt mixed together in an indeter- 
minate and confused manner ; 2dly, pure felspar ; and 3dly, a sort 
of porphyry, composed of very perfect crystals of felspar in a basaltic 
base. The veins of pure felspar and of porphyry were separated 
with ease from each other, and from the neighbouring rocks ; but 
the felspar and basalt in mass, which was intimately combined with 
the basaltic dyke, could only be separated from it with great force. 
Near the line of junction of the granite with the basalt, I found 
masses of the latter imbedded in the former. * I lamented much 
that I could spend but two hours in the investigation of these facts, 
but it would have been hazardous to have given more time to them, 
as the Alceste was expected to sail early that morning. 
I may now be expected to give some description of the scenery 
and inhabitants of Hong-kong, but of either I have little to say. 
Its scenery is composed of barren rocks, deep ravines, and moun- 
tain-torrents, but presents few characters of a very picturesque 
description. Of its inhabitants none were seen but some poor and 
weather-beaten fishermen, spreading their nets, and drying the pro- 
duce of their toils on the rocks which supported their miserable 
mud-huts. Its cultivation corresponded with the apparent state and 
* When at the Cape, I saw veins of granite passing through killas, but masses of 
killas were imbedded in the granite. 
