rounded by a strong picket fence, running close to the edge of the
hill. The entire surface of the top of the hill was cut up into small
squares, each surrounded by its own fence, and communicating by narrow
lanes, with little gateways, so that if the outer defences were forced
each square could be defended in turn. Cook says:

"I look upon it to be a very strong and well choose Post, and where a
small number of resolute men might defend themselves a long time against
a vast superior force, armed in the manner as these people are."

He noticed, with quick eye, the great failing in these native fortresses,
that is, the want of storage for water. In these Maori villages it was
remarked that sanitary arrangements were provided, such as, says Beckmann
in his History of Inventions, did not exist in the palace of the King of
Spain at that time.

Large quantities of iron sand were noted here, but the use was quite
unknown to the natives, who were indifferent to the iron tools or spikes
which had hitherto been such a valuable medium of exchange elsewhere. A
large supply of wild celery and a fresh boat-load of oysters were put on
board; a tree was marked with the name of the ship, the date, and one or
two other particulars, the flag was hoisted, saluted, and possession
taken of the country, and the ship sailed again on her journey.

AT THE THAMES.

Running closely along the coast, they hauled round Cape Colville into
"the Entrance of a Straight, Bay or River," and anchored for the night,
and in the morning they stood on along the east side. Canoes came off,
and from the behaviour of the occupants, some of whom came on board at
the first invitation, it was judged that favourable accounts had been
heard of the ship. After running about 5 leagues the water shoaled to
about 6 fathoms, and the ship anchored, and boats were sent out to sound.
No great increase of depth being found, the pinnace and long-boat went up
a river about 9 miles away, and on account of a fancied resemblance named
it the Thames. They landed at a village near the mouth, being well
received, but desiring to take advantage of the flood-tide which ran "as
strong as it does in the River Thames below bridge," they made no stay;
they went up about 14 miles, and then, finding little alteration in the
appearance of the country, landed to inspect some large trees of a kind
they had previously noticed. One was carefully measured, and was found to
be 19 feet 6 inches g