uled that "Rooski" had forfeited all claim to a place, in
consequence of fouling twice--so somebody said; though there were
others who declared that ours fouled the Russians. This led to angry
words, and a considerable show of splenetic feeling amongst the
committee, which was at length toned down by the appearance of a Russian
officer, who begged that, rightly or wrongly, the prize might be awarded
to the English boat.

Whilst at Kobe an event took place on board, of small moment indeed to
the big outside world, but one of considerable interest amongst
ourselves, namely, the birth of a lamb. If we except the rats and
cockroaches, and a few such-like atomies, this is the first being which
has drawn its first breath on board. One of the sheep taken in at Chefoo
happened to be in an "interesting condition," and as nature was not to
be thwarted of her purpose by big guns and tarry sailors, the little
fellow came along in due course. We are anxious that he may live, for it
is wonderful what tricks and antics sailors can train a lamb to, not the
least being the avidity with which, after a few lessons, he makes his
number at the grog tub at the sound of the bugle.

November 3rd.--Onward, ever onward; a flying visit to Yokohama, and then
back home again, or the nearest approach to home that this part of the
world affords for Englishmen.

But how changed is Yokohama now! Dirty, wet, cold, and dreary, and all
the other adjectives by which discomfort is usually interpreted. During
our stay our negro troupe came prominently before the public. At the
request of the managing committee of the Temperance Hall the captain
yielded, a somewhat reluctant assent, to the attendance of the troupe.
They performed before a highly pleased and encouraging audience, and
had no occasion to blush at the report of the entertainment in the
papers. At any rate many a disinterested resident in the cause of
temperance was induced to unbutton his pockets to further that end.

An entertainment, on a vastly different scale, was given to our
officers, by the imperial family at Tokio. For a whole day they were the
guests of Prince Arisugawa in his capacity of heir-apparent to the royal
dignities. Perhaps "heir-apparent" is not strictly the correct term to
apply to the royal "mid," the emperor having the power to bestow the
crown on whomsoever he lists at his demise. The prince is but the
adopted son of the emperor, who has issue of his own; he may set asi