it might be needed, though, in fact, this desultory occupation always
tried him most.

On the 25th of July he says:--

'I have had a sixty miles' walk since I wrote last; some part of it
over wild country. I lost my way once or twice and got into some
swamps, but I had my little pocket-compass.

'My first day was eighteen miles in pouring rain; no road, in your
sense of the word; but a good warm room and tea at the end. Next day
on the move all day, by land and water, seeing settlers scattered
about. Third day, Sunday, services at two different places. Fourth
day, walk of some twenty-seven miles through unknown regions
baptizing children at different places; and reaching, after divers
adventures, a very hospitable resting-place at 8 p.m. in the dark.
Next day an easy walk into Auckland and Taurarua. Yesterday, Sunday,
very wet day. Man-of-war gig came down for me at 9.15 A.M., took the
service on board; 11 A.M. St. Paul's service; afternoon, hospital, a
mile or so off; 6 P.M., St. Paul's evening service; 8.30, arrived at
Taurarua dripping.'

The same letter replies to one from home:--

'I thank you, my dear father, for writing so fully about yourself,
and especially, for seeing and stating so plainly your full
conviction that I ought not to think of returning to England. It
would, as you say, humanly speaking, interfere most seriously with
the prospects of the Mission. Some dear friends write to me
differently, but they don't quite understand, as you have taken pains