(326) January 1-1930 Had an early morning row with Manuel and David who came aboard drunk and unable to work.For the nth time all hands are dissatisfied and wish to leave.It would be best to pay them off,especially in view of advices from NY to economize.They expect a raise of three pounds each,all having been on five since June-1928.Four of us can run the ship with a captain,cook,and three Solomon Islanders. No work done to-day. Ms"Carriso"of San Francisco arrived at 8 A.M. Weather fine and clear. January 2 My last radio was dispatched to NY on December 23rd and in very urgent terms.No reply yet.I go to the post office or station daily.Lack of funds is the only reason we have not left port,the ship having been ready for sea since the above date;nor can I do any collecting in the immediate vicinity until I receive some definite news. I spent some time on board the"Carriso".Captain Drummond will take the New Guinea "tree-climbing kangaroo"for shipment to NY via Portland,Oregon. Crew employed painting and puttying. Weather fine and airy. January 3 A radio came at II o'clock this morning but contained no mention of money. I took"Peter",the "kangaroo",over to the"Carriso";additional shipment includes all the Choiseul birds,the blackfish skeleton,shells,a keg of miscellaneous material in solution,and considerable mail.This will reach Honolulu in a month's time.The ship sailed at I P.M. Crew variously employed,mostly painting.It is getting difficult to find work for them.Expenses are mounting up and nothing to show for it. Rain storms and sultry heat. January 4 I sent a reply to NY at 7 A.M.this morning. The Gov't.Medical Ship"Hygeia"is proceeding to Kira-Kira, San Cristoval to-morrow and will be back about the I2th.Captain Elder very kindly suggested the opportunity of picking up Mayr,Coultas,and Eyerdam.It will be effected at considerable saving.Meanwhile I can do some work locally. I had to get permission from my numerous creditors to leave Tulagi.I gave them sworn evidence that funds will arrive from NY before the steamer leaves for Sydney on the I4th. Weather hot and sultry.Glass falling. January 5 I acquired some stores for the men at San Cristoval.These,together with some beer and their mail went on board the"Hygeia"in care of Captain Elder.This gentleman has assisted me on many previous occasions and is always ready with any kindness he can offer.The vessel sailed at 9 A.M. Now preparing the"France"for sea.I shall visit Buena Vista Is.,north of Ngela(Florida)which possesses tracts of grassland unlike anything else in the group.On Guadalcanal,the only other island not mainly bush,the grass is different,being high and coarse,a kind of"kangaroo". Returning,we can spend a day or two collecting on the east coast of Florida Is.,itself and navigate the Mboli Passage.