which lasted about half an hour, a couple of them, who appeared to be leaders of the different parties, jabbered away at each other in Chinese, and finally commenced a regular fight, which soon became general, all hands “pitching in” in the most scientific Chinese manner. Fire-crackers were burned, gongs sounded, and other warlike demonstrations generally were gone through with, until one of the parties, having killed their opponents, now dragged them from the stage. This was followed by other scenes equally interesting to those who could understand nothing that was said. The performances closed by acrobatic feats, which were equal, if not superior, to any we ever saw. We can only sum up the whole by saying the crowd was immense, the performance nonsensical, and the music horrible. The Chinese method of erecting stone buildings is very singular; and, although it shows the inferiority of the Celestials to the “outside barbarians,” still it is very ingenious. A perpendicular bamboo wall is first built as a guide, and the stones are then laid inside and against it till the walls are complete. One would naturally think that they could lay the stone wall as perpendicular as they could build the bamboo, yet we were assured they could not. We noticed a fine building in process of erection—a masonic temple. This building was for the use of a lodge working under a charter from England, and composed of English and American residents. We were rejoiced to learn that a “Bethel” had been established in Hong Kong, and we gladly accepted the opportunity given us of attending it. It is a floating “Bethel,” and seems especially adapted to the wants of seamen, who feel much more “at home” there than inside brick walls. The chaplain appeared to be an excellent, earnest, kind man, devoted to the cause in which he was engaged. We were pleased to notice the quiet deportment and strict attention paid to the remarks by the seamen in attendance.