iookea), but, after sending the Master to report on the
lagoon, Cook decided it was too dangerous to enter, and Mr. Cooper went
off with two boats to see if it were possible to trade. He obtained a few
dogs and coconuts, but the attitude of the natives was so uncertain he
would not land, and returned to the ship. One of the sailors exchanged a
plantain for a dog, so it was concluded the fruit was unknown. On the
19th four more islands were discovered, and named Pallisser Islands, and
on rounding one a strong swell rolling in from the south was encountered,
"a sure sign that we were clear of these low islands." On the 21st, land
a little to the east of Point Venus was sighted, and next morning they
anchored in Matavai Bay, being immediately visited by the natives, who
seemed greatly pleased to see them again. The old camp was reoccupied,
the observatory set up for Mr. Wales, and Cook had again the pleasure to
record he had no one on the sick list.

The king, Otoo, came to visit the camp, bringing as his present a dozen
pigs and some fruit, and then with some of his friends went on board ship
to dinner, and to receive the return present. It was then found that the
red feathers were greatly valued, a very fortunate thing as articles of
trade were running short. Cook, after the disappointment in securing
supplies at the last visit, intended to make a very short stay, but the
place now appeared to be very thriving, houses and canoes were being
built in all directions, and there was every sign of prosperity, so he
decided to remain and refit. On 25th April they had a thunderstorm
lasting three hours, such as no one on board had experienced before.

THE OTAHEITAN FLEET.

Going to visit Otoo on the next day, Cook was surprised to see a large
number of fully-manned canoes ranged along the coast, and a large body of
armed men on the land near them. On landing, he was surrounded by people,
and seized by two chiefs, one of whom wanted to carry him off to see the
king, and the other to see the fleet, and between the two, "I was like to
be pulled to pieces," the crowd making way with cries of "Tiya no
Tootee." He was gradually drawn towards the fleet, but refused to go on
board, and after a time was allowed to return to his own boats, when he
found his companions had been subject to similar treatment. They put out
from shore in order to have a good look at the fleet, and counted one
hundred and sixty large double canoes, all well eq