(29) July 2- Light airs but we kept generally on our course. No sea-birds sighted (and an excellent sea for collecting). Tack- ing against the wind to best advantage. July 3- Decided to visit Rua Dika, a lovely pile between Upatel I, and Buena Vista which Mr. Bock tried to make on two occasions. Had to start engine about 11 o'clock to bring us up to it in daylight - arrived at 1 and David and I set off in the dinghy. I landed after much searching for a decent approach; The swell breaks heavily on all sides. Rua Dika proved to be nothing but a chain of rocks, the largest rising about 50 feet. I climbed to the top and found no birds but the usual evidence that sea-birds use it as a resting place. It was infested with a species of crab in great numbers. I returned to let David pick me up and took several photographs of it. We pulled around to the other side which is a long ledge sometimes awash. Here was a lone boobie in contemplation and I rendered it the distinction of adding it to the collection: The only bird on Rua Dika. At least, the place is off my mind. It looks quite alluring on the chart and is described in the "Pilot" as being covered with low bushes and grass. This is absolute humbug - it is solid volcanic rock and never could have supported any kind of vegetation - not even coconuts. July 4- Making for Tulagi with fresh SE trades. By con- tinuous tacking we reached the entrance by 10 P.M. where we lined up the leading lights under sail and could have let the wind take us right in but for the Matarau com-ing up close on our stern. We anchored about a half hour before she arrived. Just a year ago to-day the France left Tulagi (July 6th to be exact) after five weeks' delay with engine repairs, men in hospital, and one thing on top of another. July 5-16 At anchor in Tulagi Harbor. My father was not on the steamer as I had confidently expected. Received