nding, but, as Mr.
Forster very justly points out, the attire of the natives is far too
classical. It was noticed that many of the natives had lost the top joint
of the little finger of one, and in some cases, of both hands. This was
understood to be a mark of mourning for the loss of parents.

The fowls here were remarkably good, and the sailors purchased some for
the purpose of cock-fighting, but they proved much more successful in the
pot. The island is described as well cultivated, not an inch of ground
being wasted in roads or fences. Forster reported having seen a large
casuarina tree loaded with crows, but they proved to be that pest of the
fruit grower--flying foxes. He also states that the Resolution anchored
in the same spot as Tasman when he discovered the island.

The natives proved as adept at thieving as the majority of the South Sea
Islanders. One man, who had stolen some books from the Master's cabin,
got off in his canoe, and being chased, took to the water, and diving
under his pursuers' boat, unshipped the rudder, and got clear away. Mr.
Wales, in going ashore, took off his shoes and stockings to save them
from the wet, when they were at once snatched up by a native, who ran off
with them over the coral rocks, leaving poor Wales in what Cook calls "an
unpleasant but laughable position," unable to follow over the sharp
stone; however, Attago soon afterwards recovered them.

The language was closely allied to that used in the Society Group, many
words being identical; and Cook concluded they had some form of religious
worship, as he noted enclosed pieces of ground in which one or two
particular men were accustomed to repeat speeches apparently of a set
nature.

NEW ZEALAND ONCE MORE.

On 7th October, sailing for New Zealand, they were delayed by contrary
winds, and did not sight the neighbourhood of Table Cape till the 21st.
They stood in to Tolago and Poverty Bays with the intention of presenting
any chiefs who came off, with pigs, fowls, and garden seeds in hopes of
making a commencement in stocking the island, but none were seen till
Cape Kidnappers was reached, when two made their appearance, and were
duly given two boars and two sows, and four hens and two cocks, first
obtaining a promise that they should not be killed; to these were added a
supply of seeds, such as peas, beans, cabbage, turnips, etc. Standing on
through a series of heavy squalls, in one of which the Resolution lost
her fore t