17fr cook's VOYAGE TO JAN. 



from the nearest shore was about three quarters of a 

 mile. 



As soon as we had anchored, I ordered the boats 

 to be hoisted out. In one of them I went myself, 

 to look for the most commodious place for furnishing 

 ourselves with the necessary supplies ; and Captain 

 Clerke went in his boat upon the same service. 

 Wood and water we found in plenty, and in situa- 

 tions convenient enough, especially the first. But 

 grass, of which we stood most in need, was scarce, 

 and also very coarse. Necessity, however, obliged 

 us to take such as we could get. 



Next morning early, I sent Lieutenant King to the 

 east side of the bay, with two parties ; one to cut 

 wood, and the other to cut grass, under the pro- 

 tection of the marines, whom I judged it prudent to 

 land as a guard. For although, as yet, none of the 

 natives had appeared, there could be no doubt that 

 some were in our neighbourhood, as we had seen 

 columns of smoke, from the time of our approaching 

 the coast ; and some now was observed, at no great 

 distance up in the woods. I also sent the launch 

 for water ; and afterwards visited all the parties my- 

 self. In the evening, we drew the seine at the head 

 of the bay, and, at one haul, caught a great quantity 

 of fish. We should have got many more, had not the 

 net broken in drawing it ashore. Most of them 

 were of that sort known to seamen by the name of 

 elephant fish. After this every one repaired on 

 board with what wood and grass we had cut, that we 

 might be ready to sail whenever the wind should 

 serve. 



This not happening next morning, the people were 

 sent on shore again, on the same duty as the day 

 before. I also employed the carpenter, with part of 

 his crew, to. cut some spars for the use of the ship ; 

 and dispatched Mr. Roberts, one of the mates, in a 

 small boat, to survey the bay. 



