_Thursday, 15th July._--This morning we were well up with Anaiteum, the first of the New Hebrides group, and belonging to the Presbyterians who have been established there a great number of years. Soon after Tanna appeared in view, and later on in the day Eromango. We could not see the volcano at Tanna, so that we cannot speak of its activity or otherwise. We passed close under Eromango, and for some time the water was quite smooth. We had a most beautiful wind all day, the real S.E. Trades, and we were enabled to make good progress towards our first place of call. Everyone on board seems to have sprung into life with the sight of land, and no doubt many see in the islands we are passing the anticipation of their own homes. Most of our passengers are from the New Hebrides and Banks’ groups, of which these three islands are the commencement. It was most beautiful all day and the evening especially enjoyable; the Captain wisely remarked that if it were always so fine, there would be too many sailors, or at least persons who would want to go to sea. Melanesian islands are disappointing as viewed at a distance from the sea, for they are like any other place, but the great beauty of them is seen on nearer inspection and ashore. These three islands and the Loyalty group are not so thickly wooded as some farther North. _Friday, July 16th._--Strong S.E. Trades, and we moved along rapidly all day, doing over two hundred miles. We found ourselves in the evening running through the passage between Ambrym and Pentecost at the South end of which we expected to find Mr. Brittain, who had been left there when the ship went back to Norfolk Island. We stood quite close into the place, but receiving no manner of response from the shore we began to suspect that after all the bird had flown. The vessel stood off and on all the night, and it certainly was more comfortable than usually is the case under the like circumstances. The vessel rode very quietly all night, and on