Friday, June 13th

The gale has gone and left us in fine weather. Today has been a fine hot day—wind still at S.W. A tremendous swell rolling in with calm water to the harbour. The Steadfast shifted her berth to within sight of the town. Henry and I worked hard all day at the calf-shed and completed it to the rafters. It was warm enough to work as we did without coat and waistcoat, but the sludge in the stockyard was in some places deep enough to take the leg half'knee deep. The long leather gaiters we wear are an excellent protection for this sort of work. Hamilton was helping Andy and Robert. They have nearly closed up the sores of the poor Lass, though we have given up hopes of having her ready for Sunday. A moon as bright as daylight is shining now and the night is lovely.