1774. ROUND THE WORLD. 41 



fathoms, three-fourths of a mile, or a mile from shore, 

 the bottom a fine dark sand. 



On the 3d, at sun-rise, we found ourselves abreast 

 a lofty promontory on the S. E. side of the island, 

 and about three leagues from it. Having but little 

 wind, and that from the south, right in our teeth, 

 and being in want of fire-wood, 1 sent Lieutenant 

 Gierke with two boats to a small islot which lies off the 

 promontory, to endeavour to get some. In the mean 

 time we continued to ply up with the ship ; but what 

 we gained by our sails, we lost by the current. At 

 length, towards noon, we got a breeze at E. S. E. and 

 E. with which we could lie up for the head ; and soon 

 after Mr. Clerke returned, having not been able to 

 land, on account of an high surf on the shore. They 

 met with no people on the isle ; but saw a large bat, 

 and some birds, and caught a water-snake. At six 

 o'clock P. M. we got in with the land, under the N. 

 W. side of the head, where we anchored in seven- 

 teen fathoms water, the bottom a fine dark sand, half 

 a mile from shore; the point of the head bearing N. 

 18° East, distant half a league; the little islot 

 before mentioned N. E. by E. £ E. and the N.W. 

 point of the bay N. S2° West. Many people ap- 

 peared on the shore, and some attempted to swim off 

 to us ; but having occasion to send the boat a-head to 

 sound, they retired as she drew near them. This, 

 however, gave us a favourable idea of them. 



On the 4th, at day-break, I went with two boats 

 to examine the coast, to look for a proper landing, 

 place, wood, and water. At this time, the natives 

 began to assemble on the shore, and by signs invited 

 us to land. I went first to a small beach, which is 

 towards the head, where I found no good landing, 

 on account of some rocks which every where lined the 

 coast. I, however, put the boat's bow to the shore, 

 and gave cloth, medals, &c. to some people who 

 were there. For this treatment they offered to haul 

 the boats over the breakers to the sandy beach ; which 



