t 57 fathoms, a sandy bottom.
Latitude observed 43 degrees 22 minutes south.

The southern part of Maria's Islands lie in latitude 43 degrees 16
minutes south. The country is not in general woody, but in some of the
interior parts there appeared great abundance. Among these islands I have
no doubt of there being many convenient places for shipping. On the east
side in latitude 42 degrees 42 minutes south and longitude 148 degrees 24
minutes east in July, 1789, Captain Cox of the Mercury found a convenient
and secure harbour from all winds which he named Oyster Bay. Here he
found wood, water, and fish in great abundance. It has two outlets and
lies north, a little easterly, distant 34 miles from the
south-easternmost island, or point, seen from Adventure Bay.

Adventure Bay is a convenient and safe place for any number of ships to
take in wood and water during the summer months: but in the winter, when
the southerly winds are strong, the surf, on all parts of the shore,
makes the landing exceedingly troublesome. The bay of Frederick Henry may
perhaps be found preferable, as it appears to be equally easy of access.
The soundings in Adventure Bay are very regular: near the west shore are
some patches of weed but no shoal or danger, the depth on them being from
five to nine fathoms.

CHAPTER 5.

Rocky Islands discovered.
See the Island Maitea and arrive at Otaheite.
Ship crowded by the Natives.

1788. September.

Being clear of the land we steered towards the east-south-east, it being
my intention to pass to the southward of New Zealand, as I expected in
that route to meet with constant westerly winds; in which however I was
disappointed, for they proved variable and frequently from the eastward
blowing strong, with thick misty weather. The thermometer varied from 41
to 46 degrees.

Sunday 14.

On the 14th at noon we were in 49 degrees 24 minutes south latitude and
in 168 degrees 3 minutes east longitude, which is on the same meridian
with the south end of New Zealand. We altered our course, steering to the
northward of east, and frequently saw rock-weed which I supposed to have
drifted from New Zealand. The sea now became rougher from our being
exposed to a long swell which came from the north-east.

Friday 19.

On the 19th at daylight we discovered a cluster of small rocky islands
bearing east by north four leagues distant from us. We had seen no birds
or anything to indicate the nearness of land except patc