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brave him, just as it he belonged to their own company. Next to the pilot (or mate) is the To-kung (helmsman), who manages the sailing of the ship; there are a few men under his immediate command. There are, besides, two clerks; one to keep the accounts, and the other to superintend the cargo that is put on board. Also, a comprador to purchase provisions; and a Heang-kung, (or priest,) who attends to the idols, and burns, every morning, a certain quantity of incense, and of gold and silver paper. The sailors are divided into two classes; a few, called Tow-muh (or head men), have charge of the anchor, sails, &c.; and the rest, called Ho-ke, (or comrads,) perform the menial work, such as pulling ropes, and heaving the anchor. A cook and some barbers, make up the remainder of the crew.

All these personages, except the second class of sailors, have cabins; long, narrow holes, in which one may stretch himself, but cannot stand erect. If any person wishes to go as a passenger, he must apply to the Tow-muh, in order to hire one of their cabins, which they let on such conditions as they please. In fact, the sailors exercise full control over the vessel, and oppose every measure, which they think may prove injurious to their own interest; so that even the captain and pilot are frequently obliged, when wearied out with their insolent behaviour, to crave their kind assistance, and to request them to show a better temper.

The several individuals of the crew form one whole, whose principal object in going to sea is trade, the working of the junk being only a secondary object. Every one is a shareholder, having the liberty of putting a certain quantity of goods on board; with which he trades, wheresoever the vessel may touch, careing very little about how soon she may arrive at the port of destination.

The common sailors receive from the captain nothing but dry rice, and have to provide for themselves their other fare, which is usually very slender.