good Harbour. Upon this I hoisted out the Pinnace, and sent the Master in to Examine it, who soon made the Signal for the Ship to follow. Accordingly we stood in and Anchor'd in 22 fathoms, soft ground. Soon after we Anchor'd some of the Natives came on board the Ship with very little invitation.
Friday, 21st.—Winds variable, and dark, cloudy weather, with frequent Showers of rain. At 1 p.m. I landed in Company with Mr. Banks and the other gentlemen. The first thing done was the performing of Tupia's ceremony in all respects as at Huaheine. I then hoisted an English jack, and took possession of the Island and those adjacent in the name of His Britannick Majesty, calling them by the same names as the natives do. A.M. sent the Master in the Long boat to examine the coast of the South part of the Island, and one of the Mates in the Yawl to sound the Harbour where the Ship lay, while I was employ'd in the Pinnace surveying the Northern part of the Island, and Mr. Monkhouse went ashore to trade with the Natives for such refreshments as were to be got.
Saturday, 22nd.—P.M. the wind Variable with Showers of rain. A.M. strong Gales at S. and hazey with rain, and which continued the most part of
Sunday, 23rd, in so much that I did not think it safe to break the Ship loose and put to sea as I intended.
Monday, 24th.—Winds variable from S.S.E to N.E. At 8 a.m. got under sail and plyed to the Northward within the Reef, in order to go out at the Northern Channell, it being the broadest; but being little wind and meeting with Shoals we had not before discovered, we turned down but slowly.
Tuesday, 25th.—First part, little wind at N.E.; in the night calm, A.M. a fresh breeze at W.N.W., fair weather. At 3 p.m. Anchor'd in 22 fathoms Muddy bottom, the N. Channell open bearing N.E. ½ E., at 5 a.m. a breeze sprung up at N.W., weighed and put to Sea, and hauled to the Northward in order to take a View of the Island and Ataha and Bolabola; but before I proceed farther, I shall describe the Harbour we have been in.[1] This Harbour, taken in its greatest Extent, is capable of holding any number of Shipping in perfect security, as it extends almost the whole length of this side of the Island, and is defended from the Sea by a reef of Coral rocks; the Southermost opening[2] in this reef or Channel into the Harbour, which is not more than a Cable's length wide, is off the Eastermost point of the Island, and may be known by a small woody Island, which lies a little to the S.E. of it. Between 3 and 4 miles N.W. from this Island lies 2 other small Islands, and in the same direction as the reef, of which they are
