CHAPTER IX 



NEW CALEDONIA, THE SOUTH SEAS, AND THE 

 RETURN 



Cook, putting into execution the bold plan 

 which he had conceived, proceeded southwards, 

 meaning to find out whether there were not some 

 unknown land in the vast expanse of sea which 

 stretches between the New Hebrides and New 

 Zealand. He was anxious to call for the third 

 time in Queen Charlotte Sound, in order to re- 

 fresh his crew and to take on board a fresh 

 supply of wood and water before venturing for 

 the last time into the South Seas. 



On September 4th he discovered land, and 

 having found a suitable harbour, he resolved 

 to anchor and explore the country as far as he 

 could. 



Cook and his companions landed on a sandy 

 and fertile coast, the soil of which was planted 

 with sugar-cane, bananas and yams, and watered 

 by little canals skilfully laid out. Clear streams 

 descended from the surrounding mountains, and 

 great pines of sombre green raised their heads 



towards the blue sky. Flowers perfumed the air. 



168 



