of," Cook
was informed that the Spaniards laid claim to the country, and had given
instructions that Cook was not to be allowed to land if he returned.
However, the chief executed a formal surrender of his province to Cook,
and presents were exchanged, the whole ceremony ending with a display of
fireworks which "both pleased and astonished" the natives. Some of the
civilians reported that they had discovered a Roman Catholic chapel in
their walks; but on inspection it proved to be what Cook at once
suspected, the grave of a chief decorated with different coloured cloths
and mats, and a piece of scarlet broadcloth which had been given by the
Spaniards.

RED FEATHERS.

On the 23rd August the two ships arrived in Matavai Bay, where they were
well received by Otoo, who was gratified by a present of a fine linen
suit, a hat with a gold band, some tools, a feather helmet from the
Friendly Islands, and, what he seemed to value most, a large bunch of the
celebrated red feathers. In return he sent on board the ships enough food
to have lasted both crews for a week, if it had only been possible to
keep it good for that length of time. The royal family dined on board the
Resolution; and after dinner Cook and Omai called on Oparee, taking with
them a peacock and peahen sent to the island by Lord Bessborough, a
turkey cock and hen, a gander and three geese, a drake and four ducks to
make a start in stocking the island. A gander was seen, which the natives
said had been left by Wallis ten years previously; several goats and a
bull left by the Spaniards were also seen, so Cook landed three cows as
company for the last. The horses and sheep were also landed, and Cook
remarks that getting rid of all these animals lightened him:

"of a very heavy burden; the trouble and vexation that attended the
bringing these animals thus far is hardly to be conceived. But the
satisfaction I felt in having been so fortunate as to fulfil His
Majesty's design in sending such useful animals to two worthy nations
sufficiently recompensed me for the many anxious hours I had on their
account."

Whilst here, the two ships were thoroughly overhauled and everywhere put
into as good a state of repair as the appliances available would permit.
The stores were found to be in a better state than had been expected, and
very little of the bread was damaged. Gardens were laid out and planted
with potatoes, melons, pineapples, etc.; but Cook was not very sanguine