2 4 
A VOYAGE TO 
1777 ; 
Auguft. 
Tuefday z 6 . 
lightened of a very heavy burthen. The trouble and vexa¬ 
tion that attended the bringing this living cargo thus far, 
is hardly to be conceived. But the fatisfaclion that I felt, 
in having been fo fortunate as to fulfil his Majefty’s hu¬ 
mane defign, in fending fuch valuable animals, to fupply 
the wants of two worthy nations, fufficiently recompenfed 
me for the many anxious hours I had paged, before this 
fubordinate obje£t of my voyage could be carried into 
■execution. 
As I intended to make feme ftay here, we fet up the two 
obfervatories on Matavai Point. Adjoining to them, two 
tents were pitched, for the reception of a guard, and of fuch 
people as it might be necefiary to leave on fhore, in different 
departments. At this ftation, I intruded the command to 
Mr. King; who, at the fame time, attended the obfervations, 
for afcertaining the going of the time-keeper, and other 
purpofes. During our ftay, various necefiary operations 
employed the crews of both fhips. The Difcovery’s main- 
maft was carried afhore, and made as good as ever. Our 
fails and water-cafks were repaired; the fhips were caulked; 
and the rigging all overhauled. We alfo infpe6ted all the 
bread that we had on board in calks; and had the fatisfac¬ 
tion to find, that but little of it was damaged. 
On the 26th, I had a piece of ground cleared, for a 
garden, and planted it with feveral articles; very few of 
which, I believe, the natives will ever look after. Some 
melons, potatoes, and two pine-apple plants, were in a fair 
way of fucceeding, before we left the place. I had brought, 
from the Friendly Illandsj feveral fhaddock trees. Thefe I 
alfo planted here; and they can hardly fail of fuccefs, un- 
lefs their growth fhould be checked by the fame premature 
curiofity, which deftroyed a vine planted by the Spaniards 
at 
