9th. At daybreak this morning a vast number of boats came on board, almost loaded with mackerel of two sorts, one exactly the same as is caught in England. We concluded that they had caught a large shoal and sold us the surplus, as they set very little value upon them. It was, however, a fortunate circumstance for us, as we soon had more fish on board than all hands could eat in two or three days, and before night so many that every mess who could raise any salt corned as many as will last them this month or more.
After an early breakfast, the astronomer went on shore to observe the transit of Mercury, which he did without the smallest cloud intervening, a fortunate circumstance, as except yesterday and to-day we have not had a clear day for some time.
10th. This day was employed in an excursion to view a large river at the bottom of a bay. Its mouth proved to be a good harbour, with sufficient water for our ship, but scarcely enough for a larger. The stream was in many places very wide, with large flats of mangroves, which at high water are covered. We went up about a league, where it was still wider than at the mouth, and divided itself into innumerable channels separated by mangrove flats, the whole several miles in breadth. The water was shoal, so we agreed to stop our disquisition here, and go ashore to dine. A tree in the neighbourhood, on which were many shags' nests, and old shags sitting by them, confirmed our resolution. An attack was consequently made on the shags, and about twenty were soon killed, and as soon broiled and eaten; every one declaring that they were excellent food, as indeed I think they were. Hunger is certainly most excellent sauce; but since we have no fowls and ducks left, we find ourselves able to eat any kind of bird (for indeed we throw away none) without even that kind of seasoning. Fresh provision to a seaman must always be most acceptable, if he can get over the small prejudices which once affected several in this ship, most or all of whom are now by virtue of good example
