forge was destroyed; it also caught a sow and
young pigs, one of which was scorched to death. On a subsequent
occasion the natives played a similar trick. Providentially, the stores
and powder had been taken on board, or the consequences would have been
serious.

Thanks to the knowledge of the naturalist, many vegetables were found on
shore which contributed greatly to restore the health of the
scurvy-stricken patients. Although in many respects the ship could not
have remained at a more satisfactory place, a view to the eastward,
obtained from some high ground, caused serious apprehensions. As far as
the eye could reach were rocks and shoals without number, while it was
evident that there would be great danger in navigating among the winding
channels between them. The master, who had been engaged in surveying
the mouth of the harbour, brought an equally unsatisfactory report, and
it seemed surprising that the ship on entering the bay could have
escaped the numerous dangers in her way. As provisions were running
short, it was necessary to put to sea as soon as possible; but heavy
gales kept the ship in harbour until the 4th of August, when at length
she made her way out of Endeavour Harbour. For many hours, with the
most vigilant care, she was steered among the reefs, until night
approaching, and it coming on to blow, it was necessary to bring up.
The gale increased, and she began to drive. By striking her yards, and
then her topmasts, she at length rode securely. Here she remained for
four days, until Captain Cook resolved to try and find a passage inside
the reefs, close to the shore. At last, by the long rolling swell which
set in from the eastward, he was convinced that he was free of the
reefs; but the movement caused the ship to leak, and serious
apprehensions were entertained that she would be unable to accomplish
the voyage. His object was to ascertain whether the coast of New
Holland, along which he was sailing, was or was not united to that of
New Guinea. By standing on he was afraid that, should a passage exist,
he might overshoot it. The ship was therefore hove to. The next
morning a reef was seen, over which the surf was breaking with terrific
violence. The current rapidly carried the ship towards it, the wind
fell to a dead calm, and it was impossible to anchor on account of the
depth of the sea. The only two boats fit for the service were sent
ahead to tow, and the sweeps were got out; but