the Chinese taste for these was constantly on the increase. The old stories of their dog and rat diet are evidently myths, at least here in America, and no doubt are equally so in China, except in very rare instances, among the poorest classes, and even then only under the direst necessity. Intelligent Californians laugh at such reports as antediluvian, and say their Chinese neighbors are only too glad to eat the very best, if they can only get it. Everybody gave them credit for sobriety, intelligence, and thrift, the three great master qualities of mankind, practically speaking; and without them the industry of the Pacific Coast, it was conceded, would soon come to a stand-still. All are expert at figures, all read and write their own tongue, and nearly all seemed intent on mastering English, as quickly and thoroughly as possible. When not at work or otherwise occupied, they were usually seen with a book in their hands, and seemed much given to reading and study. Their chief vices were gambling, and opium-smoking; but these did not seem to prevail to the extent we had heard, and appeared really less injurious, than the current vices of other races on the Coast, all things considered. The statistics of the city and Coast somehow were remarkably in their favor, showing a less percentage of vagrancy and crime among these heathens, than any other part of the population, notwithstanding the absurd prejudices and barbarous discriminations against them. Their quickness to learn all American ways, even when not able to speak our tongue, was very surprising. They engaged in all household duties, ran errands, worked at trades, performed all kinds of manual labor, and yet as a rule, their only dialect was a sort of chow-chow or "Pigeon English," of which the following is a good specimen. It is Longfellow's "Excelsior" done into Pigeon-English, and speaks for itself. "TOPSIDE GALAH. "That nightee teem he come chop chop, One young man walkee, no can stop; Colo maskee, icee maskee; He got flag; chop b'long welly culio, see-- Topside Galah! "He too muchee solly; one piecee eye, Lookee sharp--so fashion--alla same mi; He talkee largee, talkee stlong, Too muchee culio; alla same gong-- Topside Galah! "Inside any housee he can see light, Any piecee loom got fire all light; He look see plenty ice more high, Inside he mouf he plenty cly-- Topside Galah! "'No can walkee!' olo man speakee he; 'Bimeby lain come, no can see; Hab got water, welly wide! Maskee, mi must go topside-- Topside Galah!