Friendly intercourse with the natives of Otaheite. Regulations for trading. Excursion into the country; its delightful aspect. Visit to Tootahah, the regent. A fort with an observatory erected. A native unfortunately shot, when stealing a musket. Death of Mr. Buchan. Lieut. Cook's strict regard to justice. Visit of Oberea. The quadrant stolen, but recovered. Divine service at the fort. Visits to Tootahah; thefts committed by the natives. Preparations for observing the Transit of Venus. The Transit successfully observed, at three different spots. The King's birthday kept. Nails stolen by some of the ship's company. Survey of the island. Manners of the natives. Improper intercourse with them. Tupia and his boy taken on board. Departure from Otaheite.
While the Endeavour was approaching Matavai Bay, which Wallis named Portroyal, several canoes came off to her from the shore, filled with natives, bearing branches of trees as tokens of peace and amity; and when these were received by the sailors, and stuck in the rigging of the ship, the natives began to trade with them, selling cocoa nuts, bread-fruit, and other products of the island, for beads and other trifles. When the ship anchored in the bay, this friendly commerce increased, to the satisfaction of both parties; and to ensure order, and prevent quarrels, the Commander issued a set of judicious regulations, to be observed by all his people in trading with the natives. Among his officers and crew, were some who had been at Otaheite in the Dolphin; and
