t he had been observed,
disappeared and was not seen again. Young Forster made an attempt to
explore the interior, but finding the climbing more difficult than he
expected, soon returned. In the gardens which had been planted at the
Endeavour's visit, pumpkins seemed to be the only things which had done
well, and for these the natives did not care, "which is not to be
wondered at," says Cook. Further enquiries as to the religious ceremonies
were made, but nothing very definite was ascertained; it appeared that on
very rare occasions special criminals, selected by the high priest, were
sacrificed at the Moris. Cook also formed the opinion that the standard
of morality amongst the women was much higher than had previously been
admitted.

Sailing with a favourable wind on 1st September for Huaheine, the
Adventure ran ashore going through the reef, but with the assistance of
the Resolution's boats, she was soon towed off without serious damage.
Forster, as usual, tries to cause trouble by declaring that Cook would
not send assistance till the Resolution was safely anchored, and thus
added to the danger of his consort. As the boats were in the water before
the accident occurred, in order to render immediate assistance if
required, Mr. Forster's story is too thin.

On arrival Cook was informed his old friend Oree was coming to see him,
so he went ashore to meet him. The boat was hauled up close to the
chief's house, and then five young plantain trees, as emblems of peace,
were carried on board one by one, the first three being each accompanied
by a young pig with his ears ornamented with coconut fibre; the fourth
was accompanied by a dog; and the fifth by the bag which Cook had given
Oree in 1769, containing the pewter plate with the inscription relating
to the Endeavour's visit, and the beads, and imitation coins. On the
advice of his guide, Cook decorated three of the plantains with nails,
medals, beads, etc., and he, Furneaux, and Forster, landed with them in
their hands. They were requested to sit down, and the trees were taken
from them and placed before Oree, the first for God, the second for the
king, and the third for Friendship. The chief then came forward and
greeted Cook in a most affectionate manner, the tears trickling down his
cheeks. Further presents were then exchanged, and the ceremony was over.

SPARRMAN'S MISADVENTURE.

Here they were able to purchase a plentiful supply of everything, pigs,
fowls, and f