on, or is called out by acclamation for a voluntary one. Max
shines chiefly in debate, in which he is always ready to take either
side, of any question. Indeed he sometimes speaks on both sides of the
same question, and displays his ingenuity by refuting his own arguments.

These meetings have thus far been exceedingly pleasant, and on many a
night when the driving rain was beating upon roof and window, and the
wind was howling dismally around our solitary cabin, all has seemed
bright and cheerful within, as Max and Morton carried on a spirited
debate, or Browne declaimed Wolsey's soliloquy, or "To be, or not to be,
that is the question."

The minutes of one meeting of the Lyceum may answer as a sample of their
entertainments:--

Recitation, (by Johnny), Lines supposed to have been written by
Alexander Selkirk, "I am monarch of all I survey," etcetera.

Recitation, (by Browne), Clarence's Dream.

Essay, (by the President), on the traditions of a Deluge, to be found
among the Polynesian tribes.

Essay, (by myself), The theory of the formation and structure of Coral
Islands.

Debate. Question: Is childhood the happiest period of human life?

Affirmative maintained by Max, negative by Morton.

Summing up of the arguments by the President and decision by him in the
negative.

Reading of the Polynesian Intelligencer, by the Editor, (Max).

Recitation, (by Eiulo), a Tewan War-song, in the original.

After the first protracted rain was over, there were frequent intervals
of fine weather, which lasted sometimes several days. But we found on
going forth, that a change had taken place in the condition of things,
which rendered any long excursion, even during these intervals, entirely
out of the question.

Considerable streams poured down from the higher ground toward the
interior, and traversed the island at short distances, presenting
formidable barriers to all travelling. The ground was everywhere so
miry that it was difficult to avoid sinking above the ankles at every
step.

As the season advanced it became still worse, and at length we confined
ourselves almost entirely to the house. Lately, however, there has been
a very perceptible improvement; the rains have become lighter, and less
frequent, and the season is evidently drawing towards its close. We are
already discussing our plans for the summer, and have resolved upon a
thorough exploration of the island, as soon as the fine weather has been
long