ent it doth not appear that they are
at all considerable until you draw near the Meridian of Madagascar, for
after we had made 52 degrees of Longitude from Java head we found, by
observation, our Error in Longitude was only 2 degrees, and it was the
same when we had made only 19 degrees. This Error might be owing partly
to a Current setting to the Westward, or, what I thought most likely,
that we did not make sufficient allowance for the set of the Sea before
when we run, and, lastly, the assum'd Longitude of Java head might be
wrong. If any Error lays there it Arises from the imperfection of the
Charts I made use of in reducing the Longitude from Batavia to the above
mentioned Head, for it cannot be doubted but the Longitude of Batavia is
well Determined. After we had passed the Longitude of 307 degrees we
began to find the Effects of the Westerly Currents, for in 3 days our
Error in Longitude was 1 degree 5 minutes; its Velocity kept increasing
as we got to the Westward, in so much that for 5 days successively, after
we had made the land, we were drove to the South-West or South-West by
West by the Currents not less than 20 Leagues a day; and this continued
until we were within 60 or 70 Leagues of the Cape, where we found the
Current to set sometimes one way and sometimes another, but mostly to the
Westward.

After the Boobies above mentioned left us we saw no more birds till we
got nearly abreast of Madagascar, where, in the Latitude of 27 3/4
degrees, we saw an Albatross. After that time we saw more of these birds
every day, and in greater numbers, together with several other sorts; one
sort about as big as a Duck, of a very Dark brown Colour, with a
yellowish bill. The number of these birds increased upon us as we
approached the Shore. As soon as we got into Soundings we saw Gannets,
which we continued to see as long as we were on the Bank, which stretches
off Laguillas 40 Leagues, and Extends along shore to the Eastward from
Cape False, according to some charts, 160 Leagues; the Extent of this
Bank is not well known, however, it is useful in directing Shipping when
to haul in to make the land.

[At Anchor. Table Bay.]

Saturday, 16th. Variable light Airs all this day. Moor'd the Ship and
Struck Yards and Topmast, and in the morning got all the Sick (28) ashore
to Quarters provided for them, and got off fresh meat and Greens for the
People on board.

Sunday, 17th. In the A.M. sail'd for England the Admiral Poco