d was soon in my usual seat.

* * * * *

I had been told by some persons from the islands that I must not expect
to find every where a green and tropical verdure; for much of the
country was barren, unfruitful lava. I was up on deck bright and early,
to see this far-off part of the world. There was "Diamond Head" before
me, an extinct volcanic mountain, of a sort of reddish dust-color, with
its top fallen in, and without a tree or spear of grass. Ah! I thought,
with a sigh, if all the islands are like this, it is well to warn people
not to expect too much. Soon we moved our position, and sailed toward
the port of Honolulu. Then we neared the land, and the pretty little
village of Waikiki, with its thatched cottages snugly reposing in a tall
cocoa-nut grove; then the green trees of Honolulu, and the extinct
crater of the "Punchbowl," its summit fallen in too. But a rent in its
side showed us that it was bright and green within, forming a huge
meadow with its ragged sides. All these opened before us, in delightful
contrast to the desolated crater first seen.

We passed "Telegraph Hill," and soon, in answer to a signal, our flags
were hoisted, and it was known in Honolulu, that the clipper ship
Archer, from San Francisco, was outside with a mail; and in less than
an hour the postmaster's boat was alongside. Mr. Whitney, the editor of
the "Pacific Advertiser," came, also, in his boat to get news and
papers. The captain gave the passengers leave to go on shore, and stay
till three o'clock, and most of them by the courtesy of Mr. Whitney went
in his boat. But the captain claimed two good missionary ladies, who
were on their way to Japan, and ourselves as his party; so we waited
until he was ready; then we took our seats in the chair, wrapped again
in the Union Jack, and were hoisted over into the boat. Just as this
pushed off, and we were looking up to the vessel's side, over which were
leaning the smiling, kind-hearted sailors, the captain called out,
"Boys, can't you give three cheers for the doctor?" Off came every cap,
and three rousing hurras filled the air, bringing tears to our eyes,
through which we took our last look at the beautiful ship Archer. Then
we turned with curiosity to see these islands, so new and strange. I
was in quite a puzzle to know how we were going through the surf without
upsetting our boat, but there was a break in the coral reef which
afforded us a safe entrance.