grateful remembrances to all and every one to whom you think it right they should be offered, especially those kind and worthy brethren of your society, who have expressed so much interest in me and mine.”

The distance from England to Pitcairn, by the route described, is about 10,160 miles.

From Valparaiso, it was expected that Admiral Moresby would convey him to Pitcairn in the Portland; and the islanders probably welcomed him home by the middle of May, 1853. May it please God to keep him in health and safety for the service of his distant flock! Who can adequately imagine the scene which would be presented on his landing among his friends on the island, to be parted from them no more on this side the grave!"

In his last letter to Mr. Murray, he said, "I hope my next will be dated Pitcairn's Island." Looking forward to the pleasure of being once more at home, he added, "Oh! that will be joyful." While staying at Valparaiso, he will have heard the interesting intelligence respecting the island

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ers, which is conveyed by the Rev. W. H. Holman, in a letter forwarded by Admiral Moresby, who writes, "Truly my heart rejoices at the completion of my wishes in Mr. Nobbs's ordination, and the future prospect opening to the Pitcairn community. A small sum will suffice to keep up a knowledge of the Tahitian languagethe voice by which the extension of the gospel will be forwarded.

"I have now only to hope and trust, that it will please God to give his blessing to all that has been done.'

Mr. Holman's letter to the admiral speaks volumes in favour, not only of the people, but of the care and faithfulness of the pastor who had so long laboured to train them to all that is good:

"Pitcairn's Island, December 21, 1852. "The arrival of the English whaler, Mary Nichols, and her departure to-day for the Island of Chiloe, affords me an opportunity of communicating intelligence from this place. The Cockatrice arrived on the 17th of November, and left again

on the 24th. The people are greatly pleased with the presents brought by her, and feel very grateful for the kindness of their friends. Two deaths have occurred since I last wrote, that of Mary Christian, on the 24th of October, and a little boy, William Quintal, on the 1st of November, the latter from locked-jaw, occasioned by a thorn running into his foot. The assistant-surgeon of the Cockatrice informed me, that no medical aid could have saved either case. The people are now quite healthy, with the exception of the slight indisposition caused by vaccination, which is proceeding very favourably, and which, I hope, will have succeeded in every case before your return.

"I am happy in being able again to report favourably of the high moral and religious character of the people. The latter has, I trust, been greatly improved by the serious and solemn thoughts occasioned by the first administration of the holy communion."

CHAPTER IX.

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LAWS OF PITCAIRN--THE ISLAND REGISTER-LIST OF VESSELS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK WHICH HAVE TOUCHED AT THE ISLAND-MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT ON THE ISLAND.

SOME account will be expected of the laws and regulations of Pitcairn's Island.

LAW RESPECTING THE MAGISTRATE.

"The magistrate is to convene the public on occasions of complaints being made to him; and on hearing both sides of the question, commit it to a jury. He is to see all fines levied, and all public works executed; and every one must treat him with respect. He is not to assume any power or authority on his own responsibility, or without the consent of the majority of the people. A public journal shall be kept by the magistrate, and shall from time to time be read; so that no one

shall plead ignorance of the law for any crime he may commit. This journal shall be submitted to the inspection of those captains of British men-of-war, which occasionally touch at the island.

"N. B. Every person, from the age of fifteen and upward, shall pay a fine similar to masters of families.

LAWS REGARDING THE SCHOOL.

"There must be a school kept, to which all parents shall be obliged to send their children, who must previously be able to repeat the alphabet, and be of the age of from six to sixteen. Mr. Nobbs shall be placed at the head of the school, assisted by such persons as shall be named by the chief-magistrate. The school-hours shall be from seven o'clock in the morning until noon, on all days, excepting Saturdays and Sundays; casualties and sickness excepted. One shilling, or an equivalent, as marked below, shall be paid for each. child per month, by the parents, whether the child attend school or not. In case Mr. Nobbs does not attend, the assistant