observations. Another set of instruments being committed to Messrs. Hicks, Clerk, Pickersgill, and Saunders, these gentlemen proceeded on friday in the pinnace, to fix on another point of observation to the east of Matavai. The Commander, with Mr. Green and Dr. Solander, remained at the observatory, where the best astronomical instruments were set up. Through anxiety about the weather, and the results of next day's proceedings, none of the parties could sleep soundly during friday night; but next morning, to their great joy, they saw the sun rise without a cloud; and at each of the three stations, the day continued clear, and every way favourable for astronomical observations. Owing to the atmosphere of the planet, there was some difficulty in marking the times of contact. According to Mr. Green, the first external contact was, 9h. 25m. 42s. A.M.; internal contact, or total immersion, 9h. 44m. 4s. A.M.; beginning of emersion, 3h. 14m. 8s. P.M.; end of the transit, 3h. 32m. 10s. The transit thus occupied more than six hours. The latitude of the observatory was ascertained to be 17° 29' 15" S; the longitude, 149° 32' 30" W.
During the observations at Eimeo, Mr. Banks had much friendly intercourse with the natives, particularly with Tarrao, the King, and his sister Nuna; to whom, and to other natives, he shewed the appearance of the planet on the sun's disc. The three parties of astronomers met together on monday the 5th, which was kept as the King's birth-day, with much joy, and mutual congratulation, on the results of their service. But our joys are seldom without alloy, and on this occasion the officers were grieved at discovering that, while they were closely engaged with their astronomical ob-
