Some may think it an extraordinary step in me to proceed on discoveries as far south at 46 deg. degrees of latitude, in the very depth of winter.  But though it most be owned, that winter is by no means favourable for discoveries, it nevertheless appeared to me necessary that something should be done in it, in order to lessen the work I was upon; lest I should not be able to finish the discovery of the southern part of the South Pacific Ocean the ensuing summer.  Besides, if I should discover any land in my route to the east, I should be ready to begin, with the summer, to explore it.  Setting aside all these considerations, I had little to fear; having two good ships well provided; and healthy crews.  Where then could I spend my time better?  If I did nothing more, I was at least in hopes of being able to point out to posterity, that these seas may be navigated, and that it is practicable to go on discoveries; even in the very depth of winter.

During our stay in the sound, I had observed that this second visit made to this country, had not mended the morals of the natives of either sex.  I had always looked upon the females of New Zealand to be more chaste than the generality of Indian women.  Whatever favours a few of them might have granted to the people in the Endeavour, it was generally done in a private manner, and the men did not seem to interest themselves much in it.  But now, I was told, they were the chief promoters of a shameful traffic, and that for a spike-nail, or any other thing they value, they would oblige the women to prostitute themselves, whether they would or no; and even without any regard to that privacy which decency required.[3]

During our stay here, Mr Wales lost no opportunity to observe equal altitudes of the sun, for obtaining the rates of the watches.  The result of his labours proved, that Mr Kendal’s was gaining 9”, 5 per day, and Mr Arnold’s losing 94”, 15s per day, on mean time.[4]

[1] Mr G.F. represents these people as very like those which had been seen at Dusky Bay, only much more familiar.  At dinner, it is said, they would not drink either wine or brandy, but took large quantities of water sweetened with sugar, of which they were very fond.  They shewed extreme covetousness, but were readily induced to lay down what they had seized on.  They seemed to have acquaintance with the value of iron, and highly prized any thing made of it.—­E.

[2] “When they were told that he was dead, they seemed much concerned, and pronounced some words in a plaintive voice.  So much had this man’s superior knowledge, and his ability to converse in their language, rendered him valuable and beloved, even among a nation in a state of barbarism.  Perhaps with the capacity which Providence had allotted to him, and which had been cultivated no farther than the simplicity of his education would permit, he was more adapted to raise the New Zealanders to a state of civilization similar to that of his own