I here witnessed a piece of superstition, which reminded me of drawing lots, or cards, or opening the Bible in search of a cheering text of Scripture, which is practised by superstitious people, in some _Christian_ countries, for _good luck_. It was this: Many Chinese, of both sexes, drew from a box on an altar, after considerable hesitation, a bamboo slip, having Chinese characters marked on the end; which, I was informed, was done by every one before they undertook any great enterprise, and often in the minor affairs of life. They were asking a sign from the gods; their request was to be answered favourably or not, by carrying the mark on the stick to the priest, and ascertaining what the corresponding mark decided. I went down near to the priest’s house, and saw many return with cheerful countenances, and a light, elastic step, having received a favourable decision; while others walked out very slowly and despondingly, as though good fortune and themselves had for ever parted company. The view of the inner harbour, from this spot, and the beautiful garden, in which is found the celebrated cave, as it is called, of Camoens, (which, by the by, is no cave, but a narrow passage between two very large masses of rock; and on their apex, is placed a summer-house,) is highly picturesque. The garden is extensive, and laid out in a picturesque style; most of the walks are chunamed, and it is suffering by neglect. The ascent to the higher grounds is steep; but I was amply repaid by the fine scenery which it disclosed. I had the pleasure of seeing the celebrated aviary of Mr. Beale. There, for the first time, I saw one of the several species of the bird of Paradise; also the silver pheasant, mandarin ducks, and a great variety of the rarest birds, all in a most thriving condition, and under the immediate superintendence of their worthy owner. Mr. John R. Morrison, son of the Rev. Dr. Morrison, here joined me, for the purpose of acting in the capacity of Chinese translator, interpreter, and private secretary, on the mission to Cochin-China and Siam, and to return to China from Singapore. CHAPTER XIII. SAILING FROM LINTING TO VUNG-LAM HARBOUR, IN THE PROVINCE OF FOOYAN, OR PHUYEN--GOVERNMENT OF SHUNDAI--ASSISTANT KEEPER OF VUNG-LAM--LETTERS TO THE KING OF COCHIN-CHINA--CATHOLIC PRIEST--DEPUTIES FROM SHUNDAI.