xxiv 
INTRODUCTION. 
\_Prior Discoveries, 
Bljgh and ward, their course being; impeded by reefs ; upon one of which, was 
POHTLOCK. ° ^ 
1702. Pearce's sandy Key. At noon, they had anchored in 15 fathoms, under 
the lee of Dalrymple's Island, the westernmost before seen ; but two 
other islands were then visible in the S. by W. ; and reefs extended 
from N. 4 0 , to S. 55 0 W., at the distance of three or four miles. The 
latitude here was 9° 37'; and longitude, from six sets of distances 
of the sun and moon, 143 0 31'; but, by the time-keepers, 143* 15' 
east. 
Several canoes were lying upon the shore of Dalrymple's Island; 
but no natives could be distinguished from the ships. When the 
boats returned, however, from sounding, in the afternoon, they came 
out upon the beach ; waving green branches and clapping upon 
their heads, in token of friendship. Boats were afterwards sent to 
them, and were amicably received ; the natives running into the 
water to meet them, and some getting into one of the boats. They 
;,. eagerly asked for toore-tooree ; and gave in exchange some orna- 
ments of shells, and a kind of plum somewhat resembling a jambo. 
When the boats pushed off from the shore, the natives followed into 
the water, and appeared anxious to detain them ; but offered no 
violence. A moderately-sized dog, of a brown, chestnut colour, was 
observed amongst the party. 
Sept. 9. The vessels steered after the boats, between the cluster of 
islands to the southward, and an extensive reef to the west ; with 
soundings from 15 to 10 fathoms. At noon, the latitude was g° 4,8', 
longitude by timekeepers 1 43 0 6' ; and two other islands came in 
sight to the westward. Before two o'clock, an extensive reef, partly 
dry, to which the name of Dungeness was given, made it necessary 
to heave to, until the boats had time to sound ; after which, captain 
Bligh bore away along the north side of the reef, and anchored a 
mile from it, in 17 fathoms, hard bottom. In this situation, Dunge- 
ness Island, which is low and very woody, bore N. 64 0 to 87 0 W. 
three miles ; and a small sandy isle, named Warriours Island, N. 6° 
to i° W. four miles : this last appeared to stand upon the great 
