Men and axes were procured from the ship, the trees were cut down and a path made up the gap, and so over to the fresh-water lake. A raft was constructed, and with a small boat belonging to the tender launched upon the water. Our operations drew some natives to the spot, who expostulated and informed us that the water of the upper lake was sacred, and had never yet been desecrated by the presence of a canoe; that the Spirit of the Lake (by description, a fiery dragon of the worst order) would be annoyed at the innovation: nothing would induce them to venture on it. These scruples were, however, got over by a glass of grog. The inner lake was the finer of the two; it might at one time, by some volcanic convulsion, have risen and burst through its barriers at this spot into the lower basin, which in turn may have formed the gap in the outer side. [Sidenote: Jan. 20.] We now took up our old berth in the south-west bay of Cagayan Sulu, and commenced an active barter for stock; this, however, was brought to a sudden close on the 22nd, the natives taking fright at our shell practice. We were exercising at general quarters, and a few of them had remained to see the shot strike the target; but the double report produced by these missiles was too much for Sulu nerves. [Sidenote: Jan. 23.] Sailed, making for the northward of Banguey, anchoring occasionally. [Sidenote: Jan. 28.] Came to in Victoria Bay, Labuan, and soon after landed Rajah Brooke, restored to comparative health. Found orders for our being in China by the end of March. Labuan is much improved, residences having been shifted to where they ought to have been at the beginning. Hugh Low better. [Sidenote: Jan. 30.] Breakfasted with, and took leave of, the Rajah, who shortly after went to Sarawak. Weighed for Singapore. [Sidenote: Jan. 31.] Young Dalyell dined with me to keep his pretty sister Bijou’s birthday. [Sidenote: Feb. 1.] Anchored in Singapore Roads. Further orders for China, the Commander-in-Chief thinking it advisable to have a force ready in case the Government should have to enforce the treaty made by Sir John Davis with the Chinese Government in 1847, by which the gates of the city of Canton were to be opened to foreigners. This treaty was likely to be disregarded by the Chinese, according to opportunity, when the immediate danger should be removed: it was made at the bayonet point, while our troops were in possession of the environs of the Celestial City. [Sidenote: Feb. 2.] Among memos the Chief left was one directing any ship on her way to Hong Kong to bring three heavy spars that were waiting passage to the Government House for mast, topmast, and yard. One was ninety-six feet long, a beautiful straight stick, but heavy as lead, which no other ship on the station could or would carry. How to get it on board was a difficulty.