(328) January 8 Hove up at 6 A.M. and proceeded under power with native pilot to more convenient anchorage. At 6:10 under his expert direction we grounded on the only patch of reef he could have put us on if he tried. I sent Charlie, David, and Teora ashore with guns. The rest of us worked until the afternoon to get the ship afloat although she struck very easily and only seemed to be just touching the soft coral on the false keel under the bluff of the bow. Rev. Tempest passed in his launch en route through the passage to Tulagi- did not speak. The vessel came off easily with the rising tide. We then spent two hours retrieving kedge anchors and heaving in ship's anchors both of which were in use. Motor used considerably. Anchored in passage about 3 PM. The missionary returned at 5 P.M. and stopped to report no radios for me in Tulagi. The hunters collected several common species which were put up. Rain intermittent during afternoon and evening. NW wind and falli[illegible] ling barometer. January 9 10 Hove up at 8 A.M. and proceeded under power through the Mboli Passage arriving at Gavutu (opp. Tulagi Harbor) about 11 o'clock. Had a repair job done on a leaky fuel filter, which developed during the morn- ing's run. The blacksmith made a stock for the port anchor; this has been missing since we left Tulagi. We left Gavutu at 4:30 and anchored in Tulagi by 5:00 No radios for me. No collecting done. Rain squalls during night from the northwest. January 10 11 No radios during morning. I worked most of the day on the motor, taking down a bearing and polishing the shaft. Discovered another iron to brass connection in the sea-cock which had to be replaced. Crew employed variously. No collecting done. Weather squally from NW. Heavy showers. January 11 12 Received a radio from NY which evidently approves the Caro- lines as the next collecting field. No mention of money in the message. This has been one of the worst delays I have experienced. At least, there has been a field party at work and something accomplished. SS "Duranbah" came in at 4 P.M. Capt. Crookshank reported the three men at San Cristoval returned from the mountains with good results. They were well and about to leave on the AV "Hygeia". Charlie and David ashore collecting but with little success on account of the rain. They returned six mynas and reported hearing the big cuckoo (Centropus). The "Hygeia" tied up after experiencing a breakdown in the worst kind of weather. Mayr, Coul tas, and Eyerdam spent the night on board. I was unable to meet them, having gone over to Makambo to talk to Capt. Peterson who knows a bit about the Marshalls and Carolines. Heavy weather from the NW and SW. Thick squalls and heavy rain. January 12 13 Mayr, Coul tas, and Eyerdam disembarked early this morning. Their collection is excellent and includes several unusual forms. Dr. Mayr is intent on leaving the "France" now for many reasons. After lengthy discussion his attitude changed and he is probably still with us. The radio from NY yesterday arrived just in time.