Towards the close of the day, when the missionary felt assured that it was our determination to depart, he asked if I was a doctor, or had any skill in medicine; and, although I replied in the negative, insisted upon my going to his house to see, and prescribe for his wife, who, he told me, was extremely ill. Upon entering his hut, we found her laying on a mat on the floor; and notwithstanding the weather was oppressively warm, she was covered over with a great many pieces of the tappa cloth, head and all, and perspiring most profusely. The missionary, with great gravity, but most unceremoniously, removed all the covering, and pointed out to me her infirmity, which was nothing more than a common bile, with which she seemed to be suffering considerable pain. I declined prescribing, although repeatedly requested to do so; and at sun-down, we embarked and made sail. Had it been convenient for us to remain two days longer at Ramitarias, we could have obtained an abundant supply of whatever the island produced, for a very trifling consideration; but although there was anchorage, it was unsheltered, and too near the shore for us to ride in safety. At six, P.M. on the 10th of June, we took our departure from Ramitarias; and at day-light, on the 13th, made the Island of Toubouai, bearing to the northward and eastward, about eight leagues from us. In getting in with the S.W. part of the island, we found an extensive reef, upon which the surf was breaking with great violence. We hauled round to the east side, passing two small uninhabited islands, but there was not the slightest appearance of a landing-place, the surf breaking heavily as far as we could see. At four, P.M. we anchored on the north side, in seven fathoms water, and sent boats in search of the harbour, along the west shore. In the evening, they returned, having found it, and on the following morning, we got underway, and beat up for it. When we had advanced near the opening, through the coral reefs that extend from the shore several miles, a Mr. Strong, an American, came on board, and piloted us in through a difficult passage. The channel was narrow, and very crooked; but we had not less than three and a half fathoms water. Our anchorage was within a coral reef, about a mile from the shore, in four and a half fathoms. On the day previous to entering the harbour, we discovered that the head of our mainmast was decayed, and badly sprung. In this situation, we congratulated ourselves in having found a secure harbour, where the water was tolerably smooth, which was very essential in fixing the mast securely.