In addition to these resources for our evenings, we have the semi-weekly meetings of "The South-Sea Lyceum," which was organised soon after the commencement of the rainy season, and of which Arthur is the president having been twice unanimously elected to that dignified and responsible office. Recitations or declamations, essays, and debates upon questions previously selected, constitute the regular exercises at these meetings. Browne possesses quite a talent for dramatic recitation, and he has Shakespeare almost by heart, which circumstances, early on the voyage out, earned for him the nickname of "Shaks." At nearly every session of the "Lyceum," he is either among the regular appointees for a recitation, 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.