ed
have disappeared from the face of the earth. The last remnant, who had
become exceedingly ferocious and mischievous, were collected and carried
to an island in Bass's Straits, where they were allowed to roam at
large, it having been found impossible to tame them. It is believed
that they finally died out. Mr Anderson records the beauty of the
scenery and of the climate, though he remarks that not one single
natural production could be found fit for the food of man.

The ships left Adventure Bay on January 30, when soon afterwards the
mercury in the barometer fell, and a furious gale began to blow from the
south. At the same time the heat became almost insupportable, the
mercury in the thermometer rising from 70 degrees to near 90 degrees.
This high temperature, however, did not last long.

On February 12 the ships anchored in Queen Charlotte's Sound. That no
time might be lost, the tents for the observatory, with the usual guard
and the water-casks, were landed, and operations were immediately
commenced. Before long several canoes came alongside, but few of the
people in them would venture on board, the greater part being evidently
afraid that the English would punish them for their murder of the
Adventure's people. Captain Cook recognised several of those with whom
he was well acquainted during his former visits. They must also have
seen Omai, and remembered that he was on board the Adventure at the
time, and thus known that Captain Cook could no longer have been
ignorant of what had occurred. He, however, did his best to make them
understand that he was not come to punish them for that act, and that he
wished to be friends with them as before. In consequence of this the
natives very soon laid aside restraint and distrust. After the fearful
experience he had had of their treachery, however, the captain took
extra precautions to prevent a surprise. While the people were engaged
in their various occupations on shore, a guard was posted for their
protection, while all the men worked with their arms by their sides, Mr
King and two or three petty officers being constantly with them. No
boat was sent to a distance unless well armed, and under charge of an
officer who could be depended on. Captain Cook thinks that the
precautions were probably unnecessary though he felt it his duty to take
them. The natives showed no fear, and came and built their huts close
to the ship, and many employed themselves in fish