old one--in the present ceremonial. The occasion was the
instillation of life into the legendary monster. He was conducted by his
bearers to the largest temple in the city, where a yellow-robed bonze
was in waiting to receive him. On the huge head being brought to the
door the farce commenced. Taking a live cock in his hand, the priest
pricked its comb in three several places, and with the blood proceeded
to mix some vermilion paint, in a small china vessel. With this pigment
he now described three cabalistic signs on a piece of yellow paper,
which he stuck on the monster's forehead, at the same time touching with
his brush the eyes, the cavernous jaws, and horrible fangs of the
animal. This completes the business, and the dragon proceeds on its
sinuous way amidst the howling and contortions of a superstitious and
excited mob.

It is not to be supposed that the flying squadron could be permitted to
leave for England without the usual challenges for boating contests
being thrown out. We, of course, came in for the lion's share of their
attacks. A match was pulled, in which our green galley came in the
victor; then a second, in which the "Bacchante's" cutter beat our crack
boat. This unexpected defeat set our men on their metal, in fact raised
a bit of a storm in the lower deck, so that dollars were freely tendered
towards a high stake to pull them again. But the "Bacchante" wanted not
our two hundred dollars. "They had beat us," they said, "and to their
entire satisfaction; what more could they desire?" The "Tourmaline's"
men appeared highly delighted at our defeat. On a black board, fixed up
in their fore-rigging, they had written, "'Iron Duke' no can do
'Bacchante.'" This was met by a counter taunt from us, "'Iron Duke' can
do 'Bacchante'--200 dollars." I am inclined to the belief that had the
"Dukes" and "Tourmalines" met on shore that night there would have been
work for the doctors.

CHAPTER XV.

Heave, heave, heave! around the capstan,
Up with the anchor with a will;
For the "Duke," you may rely,
Will be home by next July,
If you'll only put old _Tom Lee_ to the wheel.

THE SECOND CRUISE OF THE CHINA SQUADRON.--PRINCIPALLY
CONCERNING A VISIT TO THE LOO-CHOO ISLES AND COREA.--
WELCOME NEWS FROM HOME.--CONCLUSION.

Before starting for the north, suppose we just glance at a few of the
leading events which transpired at the beginning of the year. The flying
squadron has sailed