Ballasting the barque, and overhauling and setting up our topmast and lower rigging, and caulking decks.

Took a stroll in the north island towards sunset.

It is dull recreation after the novelty has worn off, with the somewhat tough walking through the sand, and the smell and filth of the clouds of gannet.
_Sunday, December 28th_ .-- Weather cloudy, with the wind from the N.E.At 8.30 descried a schooner from aloft in the N.W., the first sail we have seen, and quite an unexpected sight at this season of the year.

After we had armed and manned the cutter, to board the sail when it should heave in sight from the deck, it was ascertained that the look out had been deceived, and that the supposed sail was probably a cloud in the horizon, it having suddenly disappeared.
At 11 A.M.mustered the crew and inspected the ship.

A quiet Sabbath.