the same time that all should be returned when the bag and its contents were produced.  In the evening a chief, who had been friendly all day, went off and soon after came back with the bag and about half its contents.  Eventually all was recovered, and the boats left with good loads in a perfectly friendly manner.  When the boats went from Ulietea the crews of the two vessels were again entertained, but during the night all the natives disappeared, to the surprise and annoyance of Cook, who thought something serious had happened to offend them.  It turned out that, seeing the boats did not return, the natives thought it was a case of desertion, and were afraid they might be held responsible.

Bagpipes appreciated.

Leaving here, the course was to the south of west so as to clear the tracks of other explorers, and then to call at Middleburg and Amsterdam.  Each night the ships lay to in order that they might not overlook any unknown island, and on 23rd September Harvey’s Islands were sighted and named.  On 1st October Middleburg was reached, but no good anchorage being found, they went on to Amsterdam.  Before they got clear away, however, two canoes came out, and the coast opening up in a more promising manner, they ran in again and found ground in twenty-five fathoms.  Plenty of the natives, quite unarmed, came off to the ships, some, amongst whom was a chief named Tioony, were invited on board; the traders were so anxious to do business, that those who could not get near enough to hand their goods into the boats, pitched them over the heads of their friends.  Some of the party accompanied Tioony to his house, which was delightfully situated, and were entertained with refreshments, in the shape of coconuts, bananas, and a few shaddocks, called by Forster pumplemoses, and music; and in return the ship’s bagpipes played, to the great enjoyment of the natives.  Turnbull, who visited the Pacific during the years 1800 to 1804, says that these instruments were remembered, and in Otaheite were specially asked for.  The musical contribution of the natives commenced with a song by three girls, who sang rather nicely, and were duly rewarded with presents, whereon all the women began singing in a manner which Cook describes as “both musical and harmonious.”  A short walk disclosed plantations “well laid out and kept,” but as eatables seemed scarce, a departure was made the next day for Amsterdam, the waves breaking high upon the rocks as they followed the coast.

Off the southern point of Amsterdam several canoes came out, and their occupants came aboard without hesitation, presenting cava root as a peace-offering.  The ships anchored in eighteen fathoms, and were soon crowded with visitors.  Nothing but cloth was offered for sale, so Cook, finding the sailors were parting with clothing they would soon be wanting, issued an order that no curiosities were to be purchased, with the result that next morning hogs, fowls, coconuts,