which they use as a Chisel in making Holes, etc. These people asking so readily for Nails proves that their connections must extend as far N. as Cape Kidnapper, which is 45 Leagues, for that was the Southermost place on this side the coast we had any Traffick with the Natives; and it is most probable that the inhabitants of Queen Charlotte's sound got the little knowledge they seem'd to have of Iron by the Connections they may have with the Teerawhitteans bordering upon them; for we have no reason to think that the inhabitants of any part of this land had the least knowledge of Iron before we came amongst them. After a short stay these people were dismissed with proper presents, and we continued our Course along shore to the N.E. until 11 o'Clock A.M., when the weather clear'd up, and we saw Cape Turnagain bearing N. by E. ¼ E., distant 7 Leagues. I then called the Officers upon deck, and asked them if they were now satisfied that this land was an Island; to which they answer'd in the Affirmative, and we hauled our wind to the Eastward.[1] At Noon our Latitude by observation was 40° 55′ S., which is 21 Miles to the Southward of Cape Turnagain, it bearing N. by E., and Cape Pallisser by this day's run bears S. 43° W., 19 or 20 Leagues.
Saturday, 10th.—Gentle breezes at S.E. and Cloudy weather. At 4 P.M. Tack'd and stood S.W. until 8 A.M., when being not above 3 or 4 Miles from the Shore we Tack'd, and stood off 2 hours, and then stood again to the S.W. until noon, when being in the Latitude of 41° 13′ S., and about 2 Miles from the Shore, the land of Cape Pallisser bearing S. 53° W., had 26 fathoms of water.
Sunday, 11th.—P.M. had light breeze from the SE. In the night it was Calm until 9 a.m., when a Gentle breeze sprung up at E.N.E., with which we made sail to the Southward, having a large swell rolling in from that Quarter. At Noon was in the Latitude of 41° 6′ S., distant from the Shore 1½ Leagues; a remarkable hillock,[2] which stands close to the Sea, bore N. ½ E., distance 4 Leagues. At this time 2 Canoes came alongside the Ship, with whom we had some little Traffic, and then dismissed them.
Monday, 12th.—Most part of P.M. had a fresh breeze at N.E., which by sunset carried us the length of C. Pallisser, and as the weather was clear I had an opportunity of Viewing the land of this Cape, which is of a height Sufficient to be seen in clear weather 12 or 14 Leagues, and is of a broken and hilly surface. Between
- ↑ The Endeavour had now completely circumnavigated the North Island of New Zealand, having spent four months in the exploration. That Cook had communicated his enthusiasm to his officers is evident; or, knowing his determination to leave nothing doubtful, they would not have started the idea that the North Island might not be really an island. The natural wish after so many months' absence from civilization must have been to get back to it, and to take things for granted that would otherwise delay their progress.
- ↑ Castle Point.
