[24] In Griffiths’ _Animal Kingdom_, vol. viii. p. 275. Aves, this bird is mentioned as being “distinguished by its brilliant plumage; but it wants the elegant shape which distinguishes the true Columbæ. It remains by preference _generally on the ground_. It runs with great celerity, _and constructs its nest like a partridge_. _It never perches, except to pass the night._ Its cooing is hoarse and dull.” [25] Sweet potatoes are recommended as a good sea-stock for the purpose of feeding pigeons, birds of paradise, parrots, &c., as a variety of food on board a ship, as those birds often require fruit as a change of diet, which it is found impossible to keep on board during a long voyage; this root, therefore, given to them, either in a raw or boiled state, perfectly serves as a substitute. [26] Mr. Beale assured me that for four years he has been endeavouring to get specimens of this shrub to England, but as yet without success, they having all perished on the passage. [27] There were also some splendid large varieties of the _Hibiscus rosa chinensis_, of different tints; and the beautiful _Hibiscus mutabilis_ changes its blossoms, after their expansion, from a white to a beautiful rose colour. The celebrated Mou-tan, or Peony, of China, I was told was merely a very large and splendid variety of the _Hibiscus rosa chinensis_. [28] Besides the unequalled living collection of birds, &c., in the possession of this gentleman, his portfolios are stocked with a large and valuable collection of beautiful and correct drawings by Chinese artists, from nature, of birds, fish, plants, &c. indigenous to China and the eastern islands. [29] The specimen to which I allude is named by the Spaniards _Triste de Corazon_, or Sorrow of the Heart; when dried and kept in that state for any length of time, and afterwards placed in water, (even after several years have elapsed,) its foliage expands, and reassumes a partial verdant appearance. [30] Abel’s China, 4to. pp. 121, 122. [31] I have several specimens of the pith, and one specimen I saw, nearly an inch in diameter, was hollow in the centre. [32] Mr. Beale is making great efforts to procure both seeds and young plants, of the above-mentioned plants, and there is some expectation of success. [33] Chu, signifying pig; long, basket; and tzo, grass. [34] We passed close to Tiger Island, with its lofty and rounded summits of hills. There is a heavily-mounted stone fort upon this island, but not in a commanding situation. There is no appearance of cultivation upon the island; but it is verdant from a quantity of fern-brake and numerous stunted shrubs, &c. scattered about, which serve to give some animation to it.