PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
463 
ment, vet the theft is not in character with the rest of their conduct? CHAP, 
and however appearances may condemn them, I am inclined to believe 
them guiltless of taking the thermometer, which, probably, was left in May, 
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 meridional 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 resembling 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 house was built 
of wood, and roofed with tiles in the Chinese style ; the floor was raised 
about two feet from the ground, and the rooms, though small, were 
capable of being thrown into one by means of shifting panels. To the 
right of the house there was a large brass bell, which was struck with a 
Wooden club, and had a very melodious tone ; at the fui ther end of the 
garden was a Jos house, a place of worship, which, as it has been described 
by Captain Hall, I shall notice only by the mention of a screen that was 
let down before the three small images on the inside. It was made of 
canvas stretched upon a frame forming two panels, in each of which 
Was a figure ; one representing a mandarin with a yellow robe and 
hatchee-matchee seated upon a bow and quiver of arrows, and a broad 
sword ; the other, a commoner of Loo Choo dressed in blue, and 
likewise seated upon a bow and arrows. 'I’he weapons immediately 
attracted my attention, and I inquired of my attendant what they were, 
for the purpose of learning whether he was acquainted with the use of 
