puts an entirely new aspect on our proposed trip which was to be to Samarai via Rennell Is.,without official permission or clearance(for reasons of expediency). No collecting done except Eyerdam's usual shell-hunt. Weather fine during day with rain at night. May 9 I went to see Dr.Lambert this morning and had a long conversation about Rennell Is.I fetched Coultras and we proposed that the Rockefeller Foundation visit Rennell as guest of the Whitney Expedition provided the Government is agreeable.This is the only way we can make the trip with- out having Govt. surveillance(police boys,etc.)to impede our work.If the Resident Commissioner is in favor it will save him the expense of two voyages to Rennell for the HMCS"Ranadi". We are fortunate not to be at sea bound for Rennell with a foreign clearance.The Govt. steamer would arrive with Dr.Lambert's party and the"France"would be seized for breaking pratique.Besides it is doubtful whether or not our old captain would take the ship to Rennell without clearance.Coultras has not informed him. Dr.Lambert will talk matters over with the Resident Commissioner this evening: No collecting done. Rainy all day with very little wind. May 10 We met Dr.Lambert early and learned that the Commissioner Mr. Ash- ley approved of the trip to Rennell Is., as outlined.Plans made to leave Tulagi on Monday night(May I2th). No collecting done. Weather fine with SE trade blowing fresh. May 11 (Sunday) Two anchors down on account of strong wind across harbor.I put in half the day working on the motor.Visited with Drs. Lambert and Steenson and took dinner with them. No collecting done other than Eyerdam's daily shell hunt. Fine weather and fresh trades from SE. May 12 Worked on motor until noon.We hove up after lunch and proceeded alongside BP's wharf to draw some stores and fill up water tanks.Dr. Lambert ordered a generous supply of food for his part of the trip's maintenance.Vessel back at anchorage at 6 P.M. Hove up with all hands aboard at 11 P.M.and set course for Berande- Guadalcanal where we are to pick up Mr.Gordon White,Dr.Lambert's associ- ate,who will assist him in his examination of natives. I received an official letter from the Govt.Sec't'y.this morning at 11 A.M.asking when we proposed a visit to Rennell Is.,concerning which the Commissioner had been unofficially informed.I replied in writing with full particulars and sent the letter ashore for delivery by special mes- sanger to the"top office"this afternoon. On watch in the engineroom all night.Calm sea with very little wind. May 13 Off Guadalcanal coast at dawn anchoring at Berande at 7 A.M.Dr.Lam- bert went ashore to visit his field workers.I took the opportunity to clean valves and filters.Mr.Robinson,manager of the local plantation en- tertained everyone at lunch.Mr. White and all the Rockefeller campaign gear embarked by 1 P.M.and the vessel away shortly after.Bucking strong SE wind and current all afternoon.We had to argue strongly with the cap- tain to carry on beyond Aola where he wanted to waste a night at anchor. Wind fell at dusk and vessel made better speed.Several rain showers. On watch between short naps throughout night.