1769. ROUND THE WORLD. 143 



page 397* ^t seq.^ where they are illustrated by 

 a cut. 



But if we had reason to congratulate ourselves 

 upon the success of our observation, we had scarce 

 less cause to regret the diligence with which that 

 time had been improved by some of our people to 

 another purpose. While the attention of the officers 

 was engrossed by the transit of Venus, some of the 

 ship's company broke into one of the store-rooms, 

 and stole a quantity of spike-nails, amounting to no 

 less than one hundred weight : this was a matter of 

 public and serious concern ; for these nails, if cir- 

 culated by the people among the Indians, would do 

 us irreparable injury, by reducing the value of iron, 

 our staple commodity. One of the thieves was de- 

 tected, but only seven nails were found in his custody. 

 He was punished with two dozen lashes, but would 

 impeach none of his accomplices. 



