LIFE IN HONG KONG.
We found ourselves at once in the centre of communication with all parts of the commercial world on taking our position among the shipping in this English free port. We continued to live on board the ship, being advised by all that we should find it more comfortable than on shore. There were at least two hundred vessels here, from the four quarters of the globe. Their national flags were an interesting study. The first evening of our arrival we manned our boat and were rowed round among the steamers and principal vessels, going close to those whose bands were playing their national airs.
CHINESE TRADESMEN.
It was only a day or two before the arrival of our large craft had attracted the swarms of the native trades-people. Every forenoon for some time our deck was filled with cases loaded with carved ivory, sandal wood work, jewelry, fans, curious boxes, shawls and scarfs of India work, with articles of wearing apparel, both useful and ornamental. The pilot whom we took at the end of Yat Moon Pass, a native Chinaman, had given us our first lesson in pidgin English; for by noticing his use of our language and copying his forms of expression, we soon found ourselves able to make ourselves understood. We were instructed by friendly visitors to be on our guard against paying anything near the price demanded for an article by these hucksters. Their effrontery in demanding enormous sums for trifles became a constant source of amusement. For example: One of our company would hold up a Japanese bamboo watch chain and say, “How muchee pricee?” “Half dollar.” “No; my no can do; that belong too muchee pricee.” “No, no, not too muchee; that very fine; that belong number one thing.” But the purchaser lays it down, and resumes a book or work. The tradesman waits and finally says, “Well, how muchee you pay?” “One quarter.” He gives an expression of contempt, pretends to pack up his things in haste, but keeps an eye on the customer to see some sign of relenting, and at last in despair comes with the chain, saying, “Here, you take; give me one quart;”—which is much nearer the real worth.
CHINESE DRESSMAKER.
It became necessary soon after our arrival for some of our number to employ a dressmaker, and one was recommended who visited ships where there were ladies on board. His features were far from masculine; his prices, thirty-five cents a day, was in correspondence; his thimble was on his thumb, his motion in sewing seemed to be that of pushing more than of pulling; his progress slow, all day being spent on something which ordinarily was done at home, it was said, in two or three hours.
NATIONAL SHIPS.
We were invited to breakfast at the reasonable hour of nine, on board the Pacific Mail Steamer, to tea on board the “Great Northern,” and to examine her telegraphic apparatus and the arrangements for laying the submarine cable between Hong Kong and Shanghai. We were handsomely entertained on board the “Delaware,” “Colorado,” “Ashuelot,” U. S. vessels, and we became acquainted with the routine of service on board such vessels. The commander and scientific men in these ships contributed greatly to our pleasure.
GOING UP VICTORIA PEAK. [Page 185].