114 CAPTAIN COOK 



happy artist, who "complacently kept this evil- 

 smelling present." 



On another occasion Cook captivated a family 

 of Indians by having played to them a bagpipes 

 and fife, and also a drum. It v^as this last instru- 

 ment which particularly charmed them. 



One of the principal occupations of the Eng- 

 lish during their stay at Dusky Bay was chasing 

 seals, which were found in fairly large numbers 

 close to shore. The fat of these animals was 

 burnt in lamps, and their flesh formed very good 

 meat. Ducks and other sea-birds, to say nothing 

 of capital fish, were frequently added to the bill 

 of fare. 



One day it occurred to Cook to release in the 

 little harbour five geese which remained from 

 those he took on board at the Cape. As this har- 

 bour, which was named Goose Creek, was in- 

 habited and contained suitable food for the 

 birds. Cook hoped that they might breed there 

 and increase for the benefit of the natives. 



At the beginning of May the weather became 

 colder, and incessant rain began to fall. Al- 

 though the state of his men's health was excel- 

 lent. Cook decided to proceed northward, and 

 call at Queen Charlotte Sound, where he hoped 

 to meet the Adventure. 



He left Dusky Bay on May nth, and a week 

 afterwards arrived in sight of Queen Charlotte 



