NEW ZEALAND 71 



continent, then, was formed of two great islands. 

 Cook had soon proved it. At once he unfurled 

 the British flag, and, with the customary cere- 

 mony, which comprised a triple salvo and the 

 drinking of the King's health in a bottle of wine, 

 he formally took possession of the new territory 

 in the name of His Majesty, King George III. 



The Endeavour regained the eastern coast of 

 New Zealand by the strait known as Cook Strait, 

 coasted for four months along the southern 

 island, and having made a complete circle, re- 

 turned to Queen Charlotte Sound. 



The South Island, called by the natives Touy- 

 Poenammou, being mountainous and barren, 

 seemed hardly inhabited. The North Island, 

 Eaheino Mauwe, was covered with wooded 

 mountains and hills, and every valley was wa- 

 tered by a stream. The soil was fertile. The 

 naturalists, Banks and Solander, declared that 

 every European grain, plant or fruit would grow 

 there and become successfully acclimatised. 

 Cook wrote in his Journal, "If Europeans settle 

 in this country, it will cost them very little care 

 and labour to grow everything they require in 

 abundance." His suggestion was not long in 

 being acted upon by his countrymen. 



The Endeavour had been six months in New 

 Zealand waters. If numerous discoveries had 

 been made, dangers had not been lacking either. 



