and stood in till six, when we were within four or five miles of it, and at that distance had fifty fathom water.  The extremities of the land bore from S. 28 W. to N. 25 deg. 30’ E. We now tacked and stood off till twelve, then tacked and stood in again till four in the morning, when we made a trip off till day-light; and during all this time we lost ground, owing to the variableness of the winds.  We continued at the distance of between four and five miles from the shore, till the afternoon, when we came within two miles, and I then hoisted out the pinnace and yawl to attempt a landing, but the pinnace proved to be so leaky that I was obliged to hoist her in again.  At this time we saw several of the natives walking briskly along the shore, four of whom carried a small canoe upon their shoulders:  We flattered ourselves that they were going to put her into the water, and come off to the ship, but finding ourselves disappointed, I determined to go on shore in the yawl, with as many as it would carry:  I embarked, therefore, with only Mr Banks, Dr Solander, Tupia, and four rowers:  We pulled for that part of the shore where the Indians appeared, near which four small canoes were lying at the water’s edge.  The Indians sat down upon the rocks, and seemed to wait for our landing; but to our great regret, when we came within about a quarter of a mile, they ran away into the woods:  We determined however to go ashore, and endeavour to procure an interview, but in this we were again disappointed, for we found so great a surf beating upon every part of the beach, that landing with our little boat was altogether impracticable:  We were therefore obliged to be content with gazing at such objects as presented themselves from the water:  The canoes, upon a near view, seemed very much to resemble those of the smaller sort at New Zealand.  We observed, that among the trees on shore, which were not very large, there was no underwood; and could distinguish that many of them were of the palm kind, and some of them cabbage trees:  After many a wishful look we were obliged to return, with our curiosity rather excited than satisfied, and about five in the evening got on board the ship.  About this time it fell calm, and our situation was by no means agreeable:  We were now not more than a mile and a half from the shore, and within some breakers, which lay to the southward; but happily a light breeze came off the land, and carried us out of danger.  With this breeze we stood to the northward, and at day-break we discovered a bay, which seemed to be well sheltered from all winds, and into which therefore I determined to go with the ship.  The pinnace being repaired, I sent her, with the master, to sound the entrance, while I kept turning up, having the wind right out.  At noon, the mouth of the bay bore N.N.W. distant about a mile, and seeing a smoke on the shore, we directed our glasses to the spot, and soon discovered ten people, who, upon our nearer approach, left their fire, and