a part. Between these 2 Islands is another Channell[1] into the Harbour that is a full Quarter of a Mile broad; still further to the N.W. are some other small Islands, where, I am informed, is another small inlet, but this I did not see; but, as to the other 2, we enter'd the Harbour by the one and came out by the other.
The principal refreshments we have got here consists in Plantains, Cocoa nuts, some Yams and a few Hogs and fowls. This side of the Island is neither Populous nor Rich in Produce, if compared to George's Island, or even Huaheine; however, here is no want of refreshments for a ship who may put in here and stay but a short time; and wood and water may be got everywhere, tho' the latter is not very convenient to come at.
Wednesday, 26th.—Winds at W. by N. and W. by S., but very Variable towards the Latter part. At 4 p.m. the North End of Ulietea S. 75° W., distance 2 leagues, and the south end of Otaha N. 77° W. About a League to the Northward of the S. end of Otaha, on the East side of the Island, a mile or more from the Shore, lies 2 Small Islands. Between these Islands Tupia says there is a Channell into a very good harbour which lies within the Reef and it had all the appearance of such. Keept plying to Windward all night without getting any ground. At Noon the Peak on Bolabola W. by S. Lat. observed 16° 26′ S.
Thursday, 27th.—Variable light Airs of wind in the S.W. Quarter, and fair weather. Seeing that there is a broad Channell between Otaha and Bolabola, I intend to go through that way and not run to the Northward of all; but as the wind is right an end, and very Variable withall, we get little or no ground. Between 5 and 6 o'Clock p.m., as we were standing to the Northward, we discover'd a small low Island lying N. by W. or N.N.W. distant 4 or 5 Leagues from Bolabola. This Island is called Tubai. Tupia says it produces nothing but a few Cocoa Nuts, that there are only 3 families live upon it, but that the people from these Islands resort thither to Catch fish. At Noon the peak of Bolabola bore N. 25° W., and the north end of Otaha N. 80° W., distant 3 Leagues. Lat. observed 16° 38′ S.
Friday, 28th.—Little wind and Variable between the S.W. and N.W. At 6 a.m., being near the Entrance of the Harbour which lies on the East side of Otaha before mentioned,[2] and finding that it might be examin'd without loosing time, I sent away the Master in the Long boat, with orders to sound the Harbour, and if the wind did not shift in our favour to land upon the Island and to Traffick with the Natives for such refreshments as were to be got. Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander went along with him.
Saturday, 29th.—Little wind and Variable. Kept plying on
