The case of the Roman numerals in Europe furnishes a ready illustration of this symbolical language. There is nothing in the symbols 1, 2, 3, &c. by which their pronunciation can be ascertained when presented to the eye, yet they communicate meaning independent of sound, and are respectively intelligible to the inhabitants of the different countries of Europe; while, at the same time, the sounds by which a native of one country distinguishes the written symbols 1, 2, 3, &c. are unintelligible to all the rest. The knowledge of writing is supposed to be very generally diffused over the countries using what is called the Chinese character, and, as probably none but the lowest vulgar are ignorant of it, the surprise of these people on discovering our inability to read their papers is very natural. The case, we may imagine, had never occurred to them before, and it was highly interesting to watch the effect which so novel an incident produced. At first they appeared to doubt the fact of our ignorance, and shewed some symptoms of impatience; but this opinion did not last long, and they remained completely puzzled, looking at each other with an odd expression of surprise.] [Footnote 4: This paper, presented by the Corean Chief, has been translated by Mr. Morrison at Canton, and is as follows: "Persons, of what land--of what nation (are you)? On account of what business do you come hither? In the ship are there any literary men who thoroughly understand, and can explain what is written?"] [Footnote 5: See note at the end of the Loo-choo vocabulary.] CHAPTER II. Enter the Japan Sea--Sulphur Island--Volcano--See the Great Loo-Choo Island--Lyra nearly wrecked--First Interview with the Natives--Anchor at Napakiang--Natives crowd on Board--Their interesting Appearance and Manners--Several Chiefs visit the Alceste--Land to make Observations--Astonishment of the Natives--Six Chiefs visit the Ships--Alceste and Lyra proceed farther in Shore--A Chief of high Rank waits upon Captain Maxwell--Return his Visit--Feast--Projected Survey of the Anchorage--Visit Reef Island--The Lyra sent to look for another Harbour--Arrangements for landing the Alceste's Stores--Description of the Temple and Garden--First Acquaintance with Madera--Study of the Language.