time when compared with that fixed by Messrs. Mason and Dixon
in 1761. The first lieutenant of the Adventure, Mr. Shank, who had been
ill almost from the day of leaving England, applied for leave to return
home, as he felt unfit to proceed, and Mr. Arthur Kemp was made first
lieutenant, his place being taken by Mr. James Burney. Mr. Sparrman, a
former pupil of Linnaeus, was engaged by Mr. Forster as an assistant, and
makes his appearance on the rolls as servant. The crews were well looked
after, as much time granted on shore as possible, and fresh meat, fresh
vegetables, and fresh baked bread were served out daily in ample
quantity, so that when the ships sailed to the southward they were all
"in as good a condition as when they left England." Cook found time to
write a letter of farewell to Mr. Walker, as it was:

"customary for men to take leave of their friends before they go out of
the world; for I can hardly think myself in it, so long as I am deprived
of having any connection with the civilised part of it, and this will
soon be my case for two years at least."

He at the end speaks of his ships, both "well provided and well mann'd,"
and of the Resolution he says: "I can assure you I never set foot in a
finer ship."

THE FIRST ICE.

On 22nd November they sailed for the south, and soon began to feel the
colder climate; the warm jackets and trousers provided by the Admiralty
were served out, extra cuffs to protect the hands being sewn on, and
warmly-lined canvas capes being made. From the 29th till 6th December
they were involved in such a heavy gale that the ships were unable to
carry any sail, and a large quantity of the live stock bought at the Cape
perished from the effects of wet and cold. A scuttle which had been
insecurely fastened was burst open by the sea, and a considerable
quantity of water was taken on board, but beyond necessitating some work
at the pumps and rendering things unpleasantly damp for a time, no damage
was done. It, however, gave Mr. Forster an opportunity for an account of
the terrible danger they were in, and, most wonderful to relate, to speak
well of the conduct of the crew. The ships were carried so far to the
east by the gale, that Cook gave up the idea of searching for Cape
Circumcision for the present. On the 10th the first ice was encountered
in latitude 50 degrees 40 minutes South, and a little higher they were
stopped by a large field, to which they "could see no end, either to