The Catholic mission was established on Wallis Island by members of the Society of Mary in 1837. Father Bazin was superior of the mission from 1874 to 1896. He then returned to France where he died in 1947.

A notebook of 136 pages, with table of contents and illustrations, dealing principally with the Catholic mission to Wallis Island, but also containing chapters on Wallisian geography, fauna, flora and fish, Wallisian origins, voyaging, customs, kava, the family, ceremonies and songs, women's work and the history of Wallis. Other chapters contain autobiographical notes, information on the French residents in Wallis and details of the Brochard-Bazin affair.