hey were shy of coming
near, but at length one canoe was persuaded to receive some small
presents, and in return gave some fish which "stunk intolerably," but for
all that it was received in hopes more satisfactory trading might result.
To some who came on board dinner was offered, but they would touch
nothing but yams. They appeared to know nothing of dogs, goats, or hogs,
but greatly appreciated both red cloth and nails. Cook landed and was
well received, and water was pointed out, but it was too inconvenient of
access; the land near a village was well cultivated and irrigated, the
products being chiefly yams, plantains, and coconuts, the latter were not
bearing much fruit.

On 6th September Mr. Wales secured a moderately satisfactory observation
of an eclipse of the sun, and was able to fix their position as 20
degrees 17 minutes 39 seconds South, 164 degrees 41 minutes 21 seconds
East. On the same day the ship's butcher, Monk, "a man much esteemed in
the ship," fell down the forehatch, and died the following day from the
injury received. Whilst some of the crew were engaged in watering, a
small party went up the hills to view the surrounding country, but as all
the natives they met turned back to follow them, Cook remarks, "at last
our train was numerous." They were able to see right across the island,
and estimated the width to be not more than ten leagues. On returning it
was found the clerk had purchased a fish, something like a sun-fish; and
as the artist was engaged in drawing and describing it, the cook took the
liver and roe for supper in the cabin, with the result that Cook and the
Forsters were nearly poisoned, and were only cured by the most careful
attention of the surgeon. When the natives saw the fish the next morning
they immediately signified it was unfit to eat, but Cook says nothing of
the kind had been intimated when it was purchased.

NORFOLK ISLAND.

The natives were described as robust and well made, "and not in the least
addicted to pilfering, which is more than can be said of any other nation
in this sea." The only tame animals they had were large fowls with very
bright plumage. The country was said to consist of rocky hills, and the
trees identical with those seen in New South Wales. Leaving a sow and
boar behind, in hopes of their being allowed to breed, and marking a tree
with the name of the ship and the date, they left for the Isle of Pines,
where they arrived on the 19th. Here they wer