338 COOK S VOYAGE TO JUNE, 



and Tongataboo beyond them. We had at this 

 time twenty-five fathoms' water, over a bottom of 

 broken coral and sand. The depth gradually de- 

 creased as we drew near the isles above mentioned, 

 which lie ranged along the north-east side of Ton- 

 gataboo. By the direction of our pilots we steered 

 for the middle of it, and for the widest space 

 between the small isles which we were to pass; 

 having our boats ahead, employed in sounding. 

 We were insensibly drawn upon a large flat, upon 

 which lay innumerable coral rocks, of different 

 depths, below the surface of the water. Notwith- 

 standing all our care and attention to keep the ship 

 clear of them, we could not prevent her from 

 striking on one of these rocks. Nor did the Dis- 

 covery, though behind us, escape any better. For- 

 tunately, neither of the ships stuck fast, nor received 

 any damage. We could not get back without 

 increasing the clanger, as we had come in almost 

 before the wind. Nor could we cast anchor, but 

 with the certainty of having our cables instantly 

 cut in two by the rocks. We had no other 

 resource but to proceed. To this indeed, we were 

 encouraged, not only by being told, but by seeing, 

 that there was deeper water between us and the 

 shore. However, that we might be better informed, 

 the moment we found a spot where we could drop 

 the anchor clear of rocks, we came-to ; and sent 

 the masters with the boats, to sound. 



Soon after we had anchored, which was about 

 noon, several of the inhabitants of Tongataboo 

 came off in their canoes to the ships. These, as well 

 as our pilots, assured us, that we should find deep 

 water farther in, and a bottom free from rocks. 

 They were not mistaken ; for about four o'clock, 

 the boats made the signal for having found good 

 anchorage. Upon this we weighed, and stood in 

 till dark, and then anchored in nine fathoms, having 

 a fine, clear, sandy bottom. 



