Page images
PDF
EPUB

to observe the transit of Venus, it was not the only one. Cook was also charged to make a more accurate examination of the Pacific Ocean, and, when his chief business was accomplished, to sail in search of further discoveries in the great Southern Seas. The vessel fixed on by Cook for the expedition was a small collier. A crew of eightyfour men was appointed to her, she was supplied with guns and ammunition, and all other necessaries, and was provisioned for eighteen months. The expedition was accompanied by Mr. Green, an astronomer, Dr. Solander, a learned Swede, who went as a naturalist, and Mr. (afterwards Sir Joseph) Banks, at that time a very young man, who afterwards became celebrated for his devotion to science and learning.

PART II.

ON the 28th of August 1768 Cook started on his voyage. He sailed first to Madeira, and from thence, after passing the Canary and Cape de Verde Islands, crossed the line, and continued his course southwards along the eastern coast of South America. Having reached the southernmost extremity of that continent, he sailed through the Straits of Le Maire, which separate the island of Staten from Terra del Fuego, and having safely weathered the much-dreaded Cape Horn, entered the South Pacific Ocean, which was then almost unexplored. He

then steered in a westerly direction, discovered several small unknown islands, and arrived at the

[graphic][merged small]

island of Otaheite in April 1769, nearly eight months after he left England. This island was considered by previous voyagers to be the best place for making the required astronomical observations.

The inhabitants of Otaheite appeared very friendly in their disposition, and immediately came up to the ship in their canoes, bringing cocoa-nuts, bananas, bread-fruit, apples, figs, and fish, which they exchanged for beads and other ornaments. Having drawn up a set of regulations with regard to trading and intercourse with them, Cook,

accompanied by the gentlemen on board, went on shore. They met with a most friendly reception from the natives, who treated them with extreme respect, many of them actually approaching Cook on their hands and knees.

Cook now commenced preparations for the execution of his commission. Having examined the coast, and fixed on a suitable place for the erection of the observatory, he caused a fortress to be built for its protection. The natives continued to be friendly, and did all they could to assist him. Cook took the greatest care not to forfeit in any way the confidence they placed in him. In all his dealings with them he was scrupulously fair and just; not a tree would he allow to be cut down without their consent, and every stake needed in the erection of the fortress was purchased. This he was the more particular about, as the natives themselves had a great taste for thieving, and took every opportunity, when they were not watched, of laying their hands on any article they could find belonging to the English. The traffic for provisions, which was under the management of Mr. Banks, was carried on with as much order as in any well-regulated market in Europe. Axes, hatchets, spikes, large nails, lookingglasses, knives, and beads, were found to be the best articles to deal in, and for these every thing which the inhabitants possessed might be procured. Such was Cook's good management, that during the whole stay of the English at Otaheite they were on the best possible terms with the natives, and it

was rarely that there were any disputes between them. In person the Indians were rather larger than the Europeans. They had clear olive complexions, black hair, and handsome features. They wore cloth garments tastefully arranged like drapery, and a kind of turban on their heads, made of the inner bark of trees. They tattooed or stained their bodies in a variety of patterns. Their language was soft and musical, and they were understood by Europeans without much difficulty.

On Sunday Cook directed that Divine Service should be performed at the fort. He was desirous that some of the Indians should be present, hoping that it would give occasion to some inquiries on their part, and to some instruction in return, and Mr. Banks secured the attendance of a man and his wife, During the whole service these two observed Cook's behaviour very attentively, and stood, sat, or knelt, as they saw him do; they seemed to be sensible that it was a serious and important employment in which the English were engaged. But when the worship was ended, neither of them asked any questions, nor would they attend to any explanations that were attempted to be given of what had been performed.

On the 1st of May the observatory was set up, and the astronomical instruments for observing the transit of Venus were taken on shore. As the day for the transit approached, great fear was felt lest rainy or cloudy weather might prevent the desired observations from being taken.

The whole party were deeply interested in the success of the experiment. They could not sleep for anxiety the preceding night; and no wonder, considering the immense distance they had come, and the dangers they had braved, to effect a scientific object which one cloudy day would render impossible.

Fortunately, however, their fears were not realized. They got up at day-break, and, to their great joy, beheld the sun rising from the sea without a cloud. During the whole day the weather continued equally clear, so that the entire passage of Venus over the sun's disc was observed to great advantage both by Cook and the other gentlemen. The pleasure which Cook derived from having thus successfully accomplished the first grand object of the voyage was not a little abated by the misbehaviour of some of the ship's crew. Whilst the officers were absent in the island, and their attention was engrossed by their astronomical observations, these men broke into one of the ship's store-rooms, and stole a quantity of spike nails. This was a very grave offence, for the nails were the chief articles of traffic with the natives, and, if circulated too freely amongst them, would instantly lessen in value. A strict search was accordingly made, in order to find out the culprits, and one of them was detected by a few nails being discovered in his possession. He received twenty lashes, but he would not give up the names of his accomplices.

« PreviousContinue »