CHAPTER V 



ON THE WAY TO TAHITI 



The Endeavour put in at Funchal, in the 

 island of Madeira, on September 13th, eighteen 

 days after leaving Plymouth. An unfortunate 

 accident occurred during the night. While 

 raising an anchor, the mate was flung into the 

 sea by the cable and drawn down by the anchor. 

 It was only possible to recover his dead body. 

 The sea had already claimed its first victim. 

 Cook remained at Funchal no longer than five 

 days, during which he, his officers and the dis- 

 tinguished passengers on board the Endeavour 

 were warmly received by the English consul and 

 the English colony in the town. Mr. Banks and 

 Dr. Solander began collecting plants. Cook 

 and his scientific followers visited the environs 

 of Funchal and were welcomed with great 

 politeness in a Franciscan convent, the monks 

 inviting them to return on the morrow to enjoy 

 a roast turkey. But time pressed, and the in- 

 vitation could not be accepted. 



The Englishmen also visited a community of 

 nuns, who, having heard that very learned men 

 were of their company, bombarded them with 



39 



