'Take piecey missisy one piecey bag topside,' seems quite as difficult
to understand as 'Take the lady's bag upstairs' would be; but it is
easier to a Chinaman's intellect.

From the Praya we went up the hill to write our names in the
Governor's book. It was a beautiful road all the way, running between
lovely gardens and beneath shady trees. Government House is a fine
building, situated on a high point of land, commanding extensive views
in every direction. After a pleasant chat we descended the hill again,
and proceeded to the Hongkong hotel for tiffin. It does not seem a
very desirable abode, being large, dirty, and ill-kept. At one
o'clock a bell rang, and the visitors all rushed in and took their
places at various little tables, and were served with a 'scrambly'
sort of meal by Chinese boys.

After this, a carriage was sent for us, and we drove to the
race-course. This is the fourth and last day of the races, and there
is to be a ball to-night to wind up with, to which everybody seems to
be going. The drive was a very pleasant one, the road presenting a
most animated appearance, with crowds of soldiers, sailors, Chinamen,
Parsees, Jews, all hurrying along by the side of the numerous
sedan-chairs and carriages. We were puzzled to imagine where, on this
rocky, hilly island, there could possibly be found a piece of ground
flat enough for a race-course. But the mystery was solved when we
reached a lovely little valley, about two miles from the town, where
we found a very fair course, about the size of that at Chester, but
not so dangerous. The grand stand is a picturesque object, with its
thatched roof, verandahs, and sun-blinds. The interior, too, looks
comfortably arranged, and certainly contains the most luxurious
basket-chairs one could possibly desire. There are a lawn and a
paddock attached, and very good temporary stables, over many of which
are private stands and tiffin-rooms.

Hongkong races are a great event, and people come down from Canton,
Shanghai, Macao, and all sorts of places for them. Everybody knows
everybody, and it seems to be altogether a most pleasant social
meeting. Many ladies were present. Some of the races were capital, the
little Chinese ponies scuttling along at a great pace under their big
riders, whose feet seemed almost to touch the ground. There was also a
race for Australian horses. But the most amusing event of all was the
last scramble for Chinese ponies ridden by Chinese boys, in