;
but the north side, from the very summit down to the sea, is so steep
that it can afford no support to the inhabitants. We steered pretty close
in to the northward of the east end, where we saw but few habitations: a
very neat house on a small eminence, delightfully situated in a grove of
coconut-trees, particularly attracted our notice. About twenty of the
natives followed us along shore, waving and showing large pieces of
cloth; but the surf on the shore was too high to think of having any
communication with them. I observed a great number of coconut-trees but
did not see one plantain-tree. There were other trees but of what kind we
could not distinguish: near the east end are two remarkable rocks, and a
reef runs off to the eastward about half a league.

The latitude of Maitea is 17 degrees 53 minutes south; and by our
timekeeper its longitude is 1 degree 24 minutes east from Point Venus.
Variation of the compass 5 degrees 36 minutes east.

We continued our course to the westward, and at six in the evening saw
Otaheite bearing west three-quarters south; the island Maitea, then in
sight, bearing east half south, eight leagues distant. As there was great
probability that we should remain a considerable time at Otaheite, it
could not be expected that the intercourse of my people with the natives
should be of a very reserved nature: I therefore ordered that every
person should be examined by the surgeon, and had the satisfaction to
learn from his report that they were all perfectly free from any venereal
complaint.

Sunday 26.

On the 26th at four o'clock in the morning, having run twenty-five
leagues from Maitea, we brought to till daylight, when we saw Point Venus
bearing south-west by west, distant about four leagues. As we drew near a
great number of canoes came off to us. Their first enquiries were if we
were tyos, which signifies friends; and whether we came from Pretanie
(their pronunciation of Britain) or from Lima: they were no sooner
satisfied in this than they crowded on board in vast numbers,
notwithstanding our endeavours to prevent it, as we were working the ship
in; and in less than ten minutes the deck was so full that I could scarce
find my own people. At nine in the forenoon we were obliged to anchor in
the outer part of Matavai Bay, in thirteen fathoms, being prevented by
light variable winds from placing the ship in a proper berth. In this
station the west part of One-tree hill bore south by eas