other teacher for these lads, and so we must rub on and do the best
we can. Of course I should be most thankful, most happy if, during
his lifetime, I once more found myself at home, but I don't think
much nor speculate about it, and I am very happy, as I am well and
hearty. You won't suspect me of any lessening of strong affection
for all that savours of home. I think that I know every face in
Alfington and in Feniton, and very many in Ottery as of old; I
believe I think of all with increasing affection, but while I wonder
at it, I must also confess that I can and do live happy day after day
without enjoying the sight of those dear faces.

'Always your affectionate and grateful nephew,

'J. C. PATTESON.'


As soon as the 'Southern Cross' had carried Bishop Harper back to
Lyttelton, the Melanesian voyage was recommenced, this time with a
valuable assistant in Mr. Benjamin Dudley. Mrs. Selwyn was again
dropped at Norfolk Island, and five young Pitcairners were taken on
board to serve as a boat's crew, and also to receive instruction.

This was a more extensive voyage than the first, as more time could
be spent on it, but there is less full description, as there was less
time for writing; and besides, these coral islands are much alike.
Futuma was the first new island visited:--

'The canoes did not venture to come off to us, so we went ashore in
the boat, Bishop and I wading ankle-deep to the beach. Forty or
fifty natives under a deep overhanging rock, crouching around a fire,