be able to dispense with the boiler, which has begun to give trouble
from rust and leakage.

_Wednesday._ Blye and I went inland among the bushes and killed twelve
boobies for supper to-morrow. Breakfast, pork scouse and cup of water.
Provisions got wet from leak in storehouse last night; took tea,
coffee, and wet bread out to dry. Several showers during the day. Mr.
Talbot went over to the sand spit and brought back driftwood and four
large turtles. Supper, salt beef and two dough-balls from mouldy
flour.

_Thursday, 10th._ Breakfast, salt beef and flour-balls. Getting up
ship's mainmast for flagstaff and lookout. One boat off to the wreck.
Several rain squalls during day, and unable to dry out stores. Supper
on boobies and flour-balls.

_Friday, 11th._ Breakfast, turtle steak and a tablespoonful of mashed
potatoes. The mast was again raised to-day and care taken to prevent a
repetition of Tuesday's accident. Stronger guys were led to heavy,
deep-driven stakes. A topmast was added and a rope ladder to the
crosstrees. Work on the gig progressing fast--nearly decked over.
Supper, turtle, eight goonies, potatoes, and cup of tea.

_Saturday, 12th._ Breakfast on fish, turtle soup, and mashed potatoes.
Supper, seal meat and tablespoonful of mashed beans. The fish from
the reef are voted no good. They are brilliantly colored but strong in
taste, and are said by the captain to be similar to the "parrot fish"
that is found among our West India coral reefs. Solomon Graves says
that the parrot fish is poisonous, so it is decided to leave them out
of our bill of fare. Should it become necessary to augment our ration
it will, no doubt, be done by adding the _rats_, and for myself I
believe they will improve it.

[Illustration: THE GIG--BEFORE LAUNCHING--WITH SAILS MADE ON THE
ISLAND]

_Sunday, November 13._ Ship breaking up rapidly and boats out to pick
up driftwood. Had prayers (read by Captain S.) at 3 P.M., and he
addressed us with remarks as to necessity in our situation of working
on Sabbath. Thousands of rats about. Put extra night watch on
storehouse, for fear of further depredations.

_Monday, 14th._ Same diet as yesterday. Aired all clothing. Work on
gig pushing, and we expect to get her off this week. Every one writing
letters to send in her.

_Tuesday, 15th._ Diet, goonies and turtle, with last of potatoes. The
gig was launched and provisions sent down from storehouse. Had a long
talk with Talbot. He r