e of
Botanist Bay."

Extract from the only page known to exist of the Journal of the first
voyage written by Cook, and dated 6th May, 1770. It was, July 1911,
purchased by Mr. F.T. Sabin for 451 pounds.

CHAPTER 11. 1770 TO 1771. NEW GUINEA TO ENGLAND.

The water on the New Guinea coast was very shallow, and kept them far out
in running westward, but on 3rd September they got a little nearer in, so
Cook decided to attempt a landing, and then to leave, as he considered it
was only wasting valuable time to go over ground that had already been
explored by the Dutch. Banks says the crew were rather sickly, they:

"were pretty far gone with the longing for home, which the physicians
have gone so far as to esteem a disease under the name of Nostalgia.
Indeed, I can find hardly anybody in the ship clear of its effects, but
the Captain, Dr. Solander, and myself, and we three have ample constant
employment for our minds, which I believe to be the best if not the only
remedy for it."

They were also on short allowance of food, which would necessarily have a
depressing effect, and when they learnt that Cook would return to
civilisation where fresh supplies could be obtained, there was a marked
improvement in the general health.

Calling in at the island of Savu, some supplies were obtained, and the
country is described as very lovely, although there had been no rain for
seven months; the contrast with the monotonous and barren-looking country
of New Holland was very marked.

AT BATAVIA.

According to strict orders from the Admiralty, Cook on 30th September
collected all logs and journals that had been kept on board the ship, and
enjoined every one that they were on no account to divulge where they had
been on their arrival at Batavia. Off Java Head the main topsail was
split in a squall, and Cook remarks that all his sails are now in such a
condition that "they will hardly stand the least puff of wind." No
observations had been possible since leaving Savu, and the strong western
current had thrown out their dead reckoning, causing them to run past the
Straits of Sunda; but, picking themselves up on 1st October, they got
into the straits, and after a wearisome beat up arrived in Batavia on the
10th; and Hicks was sent on shore to announce their arrival, and offer an
apology for failing to salute the Dutch flag in a proper manner--the
reason being that they had only three guns available.

The ship was thoroughly surveye