the variation here to be 21 degrees 23 east.
The wind being unfavourable I thought it more advisable to go round to
the eastward of Staten Land than to attempt passing through Straits le
Maire. The two opposite coasts of the Straits exhibited very different
appearances. The land of Tierra del Fuego hereabouts, though the interior
parts are mountainous, yet near the coast is of a moderate height and, at
the distance we were from it, had not an unpromising appearance. The
coast of Staten Land near the Straits is mountainous and craggy, and
remarkable for its high peaked hills. Straits le Maire is a fair opening
which cannot well be mistaken; but if any doubt could remain, the
different appearances of the opposite shores would sufficiently make the
Straits known.

I did not sail within less than six leagues of the coast that we might
have the wind more regular and avoid being exposed to the heavy squalls
that came off from the land. At noon Cape St. Anthony bore south and the
westernmost of New Year's Isles south-east one-quarter south, five or six
leagues. Latitude observed 54 degrees 28 minutes south, longitude 64
degrees 4 minutes west.

The sight of New Year's Harbour almost tempted me to put in; but the
lateness of the season and the people being in good health determined me
to lay aside all thoughts of refreshment until we should reach Otaheite.
At two o'clock in the afternoon the easternmost of New Year's Isles,
where Captain Cook observed the latitude to be 55 degrees 40 minutes
south, bore from us south four leagues. We saw the entrance isles of New
Year's harbour at the back of which the land is very craggy and
mountainous. This must be a very convenient port to touch at as the
access to it is safe and easy. The harbour lies south-south-east by
compass from the north-east part of the easternmost of the New Year's
Islands.

About two leagues to the westward of Cape St. John I observed the
separation of the mountains that Captain Cook has taken notice of, which
has the appearance of Staten Land being there divided into two islands.

At sunset Cape St. John bore south-south-east five or six leagues. The
land hereabouts is of less height and not so rugged as near New Year's
Harbour. The night coming on I could get no good view of the coast near
the Cape; and at daylight next morning we were at too great a distance.

Monday 24.

We had stood to the southward all night with the wind at west-south-west
and south