On Saturday last, twenty-one foreign excursionists availed themselves of the opportunity afforded by the C.BLS.N Ca. for a visit to the romantic and whilom mysterious island of Pootoo, on board the steamer Kiangteen, Captain Steele. The C.M.S.N. Ca., emulating the excellent example of their late rivals, placed that well-known and favorite steamer, better known as the Hupeh, at the service of the public, on payment of 2 moderate consideration, for this delightful trip. At 4.15 p.m., all being on board, we cast off from the wharf and steaming rapidly down to Woosung, passed the mouth of the Creek at 5.15 p.m.
cisely. On entering the Yangtsze, the our teeth," which was fully Tealised before captain prognosticated a strong blow "in
reaching the Lightship, but notwithstanding this adversity, the ozone contained in the South-Easter, was fully appreciated by a score of the Shanghaites on board, there being but a solitary case of indisposition, whisk manifested lizelf more strongly than ever on the sound of the bell for " hash." Though the company were summoned board " one hour before " bitters" would to appear at the truly "gay and festive have been thought of in Shanghai, still the avidity with which the peasoup was devoured showed that the chief cook and steward had not been at all premature in their arrangements. The quid gro quo supplied in the shape of chow for the Mexicans invested in this Saturday to Monday trip, we left little or no margin for a dividend to the promoters. Ina word, the Table was perfect, the Wines were of the best to be had, and the attendance could not be excelled—your own boy, if you happened to have one with you, being conspicuous by his absence on these important occasions. We are fain to leave the table to catch a glimpse of the Lightship, and part from the attractions of the conversation and old stories embellished and remodelled, as delivered by our worthy president, the skipper. Throughout the night the motion of the ship was almost imperceptible; and on being turned out at early dawn, proof was not wanting to show that the Kiungteen is fast and powerful, Chinhai being passed before six o'clock on Sunday morning, though tide.and wind had been unfavourable throughout the night. On our arrival at the if, the ving freight, for Ningpo, was quickly landed, and the huge boat was expertly turned round in her own length, and on the way to Pootoo at 7.15 a.m. A portion of the Ningpoites presented themselves on their respective verandahs to see the steamer arrive and depart; but only one individual was induced leave that charming spot, to get a mouthful of fresh air, an clement of which there is a decided scarcity in the Main street that extends from the British Consulate to the Bridge of Boats at that salubrious seaport. At Chinhai a man-of-war was espied at anchor, having arrived daring our short stay up, river It proved to be HLG.M.'s ship Cyclops bound to Nagasaki. On passing her the usual naval courtesies were exchanged, after which we were all engaged admiring the scenery adjacent to the entrance of the Yung River, and criticising the advance of civilisation as represented by newly-erected forts, invisible beacons, and the general management in deep and narrow waters of Foochow pole-laden junks, unwieldy craft under the most favourable circumstances, and it was universally admitted to be a fact that these junks do load at Foochow, put in to Chinhai and many other harbours of refuge, and finally arrive at Chapu or Shanghai and there discharge; but how it is all done still remains & mystery. Matters were now diversified by the announcement of " early breakfast," at which there was a full and complete attendance, each filling that part of the programme allotted to him with all due credit. This uty being finished, the company disported themselves in various attitudes of comfort on luxurious chairs and lounges, aided by the inevitable pipe or cigar, and book, until Pootoo was, reported in sight. Careful
shallow channel on the eastern side of navigation guided ws through 9 nar and Chusan, until finally the anchor, was cast, about 800 yards from the best landing-place in the island, A steam launch, provided specially for this tri and two of the ship's boats were lowe into the water. The first batch landed consisted entirely of Chinese, male and female, who had come hither with a true feeling of piety, to offer their sacrifices and spare coin at the shrine of their patron deity. One boat was sent asa vanguard containing "boys," and substantial matters to be discussed at tiffin time. Shortly afterwards, all who wished to view the sacred island were landed, and a general stampede was made in various directions, the natives wending their way to some special Temple, the foreigners doing likewise, but with slightly different object in' view. On arrival at the hallowed spot, there was already spread, to the surprise and delight of everybody, tiffin fit for a Queen. There being no ladies present, however, the onslaughtcommenced with but little ceremony. To attempt to describe the completeness and excellence of the arrangements made for our comfort on shore, as well as on board, would be useless, as everything was perfect and harmony reigned supreme.
The C.MLS.N. Ca, displayed their wisdom in selecting their able and veteran Captain of the Hupeh to entertain the voyagers on this occasion. After tiffin the half-empties were given to the coolies and burden bearers, one idiotic looking native being conspicuous for his taste for Irish whiskey, coloured with Guinness's Stout, which ha the immediate effect of making him happy pro tem.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.